Honored by God

Honored by God – Mark 14:3-9

I. Who was present?

a. The 12 disciples, including Judas

b. Simon the leper (probably a healed leper)

c. The woman – Mary of Bethany (John 12:3)

d. Lazarus who was raised from the dead (John 12:1-2)

e. Martha the sister of Mary (John 12:1-2)

II. She Ministered to Christ

a. She demonstrated he love for Jesus

i. She was humble

ii. She had no shame for her love of Jesus

iii. She was thankful for his delivering of her

b. She prepared him for his burial (14:8)

i. The word was on the streets concerning the Jews plans for Jesus (John 11:56-57; Mark 14:1)

ii. She spared no expense

iii. Expensive ointment = 1 years wages

iv. Anointed his head (Mark 14:3)

v. Anointed his feet (John 12:3)

III. Consequences of her Ministry

a. There was a sweet odor throughout the house (John 12:3)

i. spiritual fragrance” in the home where Christ is loved

b. She was criticized by the disciples, led by Judas

i. They had indignation (Mark 14:4)

ii. Accused her of making waste of the ointment (Mark 14:4)

c. Jesus Demonstrated his love for Mary

i. Jesus Defended Mary

1. Jesus knew Mary’s heart and the heart of Judas

2. Jesus Commended Mary in from of everyone

ii. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:33-39)

IV. Mary’s Lesson to us

a. Love the Lord your God – this is the 1st commandment…

b. Don’t be ashamed of your love of Jesus Christ

i. Isaiah 50:7 - For the Lord God helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.

ii. 2 Timothy 1:8 - Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

iii. Psalm 25:3 - Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.

c. What others say about our worship is unimportant as long as we are sincere

d. Jesus Loves those who love him

i. Proverbs 8:17 - I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

e. There is honor in serving the Lord

i. Ephesians 6:8 - Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

ii. Jeremiah 17:10 - I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

iii. Hebrews 13:16 - But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

iv. Revelation 22:12 - And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

f. When you stand up for Jesus, Jesus stands up for you

i. 1 John 4:16 - And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

ii. Psalm 145:20 - The LORD preserveth all them that love him: But all the wicked will he destroy

iii. Jesus said, wherever this gospel is preached, this story should be told to honor the sacrificial love that Mary demonstrated to Jesus.

V. Conclusion

a. We must set priorities

i. Caring for the poor is important

ii. Caring for one another is important

iii. Caring for family is important

iv. But loving the Lord is of utmost imporant