Mary’s Journey – Jesus’ Story

Sermon Text:  John 12:1-7

Sermon Title:  Mary’s Journey – Jesus’ Story

Pre-Test Principles

1.  How does Mary’s use of her perfume strike you?

a)     Tasteful, but too extravagant

b)     Wasteful, without a doubt

c)     Sacrificial, honoring, and perfectly appropriate

2.  What had Jesus done (or what was He about to do) to deserve such a lavish gift?

a)     Raised her brother Lazarus from the dead

b)     Had dinner with them

c)     About to die on the cross for their sins

3.  How did Judas’ attitude differ from Mary’s?

a)     Stink to high heaven

b)     Typical it was a lot of money and people were in need

c)     Self-centered – Mary Christ centered

4.  How is each of them remembered today?

a)     Traitor vs. irritant

b)     Keeper vs. giver

c)     Deserter vs. devoted

Whenever she was in His presence, she honored her Savior by giving Him her best. The first time Jesus stopped at her home in Bethany, she sat at His feet listening to every word He spoke while her sister Martha was distracted with other worries. Martha complained about her single-minded focus, but Jesus complimented her by saying, “Mary has chosen what is better” (Mark 10:38-42).

After the death of her brother Lazarus, Mary mourned deeply for several days with her friends and relatives in their home. Yet the moment she heard of Jesus’ arrival, she immediately got up and ran to meet Him. When she saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and called Him “Lord” (John 11:28-32).

Point 1:  What-a-Sacrifice

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived…Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

And whatever you do for people, you’re doing for Jesus. So, as you give, think about what He deserves (2 Corinthians 8:19).

Point 2: Mary’s Sacrificial Journey or Judas’ Sacrificial Journey 

 vs 4-6 ⁴But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,  ⁵ “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.”  ⁶ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

Matthew 26: 13; Mark 14:9

⁷ “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. ”It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.  ⁸ You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Mark 14:4-5

Post Test Principles

Principle #1: You usually make the best choices when you are spending personal time with God.

Principle # 2: You always reap what you sow.

Principle #3: You seldom meet a sacrificial giver who doesn’t consider it an honor to give.

2 Corinthians 8:1-4 – We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. ²Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. ³For I testify that they have as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

2 Corinthians 9:7 – Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.