An Extravagant Gift Of Appreciation

Sermon - An Extravagant Gift of Appreciation

Scripture Lesson: Matthew 26:6-16 “Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.”

Introduction: This story of extravagant love is mentioned in all the gospel account. I like all versions of this story because together the set the atmosphere, identify the host, the date and location and even mentions some of the guests by name. Jesus loved going to Bethany. Bethany was the hometown of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. It was the place where Jesus could relax, enjoy a fellowship meal and talk with friends. Every servant of God needs a Bethany. The event was at the home of Simon the Leper, who had been cured, restored, and blessed beyond measure. I want you to see the setting for that dinner.

What a blessed guest list. Each guest seemed to have had a unique relationship with Jesus. What an honor it must have been for Simon the leper, who had been healed and restored to his family and his community to host the banquet. Simon literally owed his life to Jesus. Lazarus was another guest that owed his life to Jesus. The dinner must have been great, and the conversation even greater. It was a great celebration and then something truly remarkable took place. We can only imagine what it must have been like for Jesus who had called, mentored, and pastored so many around the table.

Knowing what was ahead, the dread of suffering, leaving his disciples, his mother and being separated from His Father. Seeing all the smiles, but knowing there was a betrayal, a denial, and desertion just ahead. It must have been tempting to stop the celebration and pour out his heart, but he smiled and received this gift of appreciation.

Events like this were normally limited to men taking center stage. Women were not banned, but normally did not take an active part. Looming over this joyous occasion was the prospect of the coming arrest, trial, scouring and crucifixion of Jesus. It almost seems as if Mary understood the weight of moment that was upon her Lord. So, Mary enters the room during the meal and changes the atmosphere. She brings Jesus a God honoring gift. She approaches Him, breaks open her alabaster jar, and pours it all over his head. She then falls to her knees and pours what is left on his feet and wipes it with her hair. The fragrance of the perfume fills the room as tension fills the air. Everyone recognizes the perfume. It was extravagant to say the least. It was outside the box, over the top! All the disciples were awed by the gift. Judas finally spoke up to rebuke the woman for what he thought was a waste, but the Lord Jesus quickly honors her sacrifice and her sensitivity. Jesus memorializes her act of love forever. Jesus blessed her gift and made sure that her selfless act would be remembered forever. Mark 14:9, “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Many pastors and church leaders are in this great work to be rewarded or celebrated, those who value their work and see their sacrifice should seek ways to bless them in return. Jesus actions in the story teaches some important lessons. Every leader needs a place to relax and refresh themselves. Bethany was that place for Jesus. Secondly, every good leader needs to graciously receive gifts of appreciation. Some leaders have a false sense of humility. “A servant is worthy of his hire.” Faithful leaders deserve double honor when they labor in the word, and for the souls under their care.

Here are some facts about this extravagant gift of appreciation at Bethany. Even though the exact day of this events slightly differs in the gospel, this God honoring gift takes center stage in every record. The disciples were not concern with the chronological order as they were with what happened and what was said and done. As we experience a time of year when many show appreciation to their leaders, consider some of the lessons we can learn from this extravagant gift of appreciation given to Jesus at Bethany.