Excess Love

EXCESS LOVE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 12:1-9

Supporting Texts: Romans 5:8, John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10, Ephesians 2:4-5, Luke 7:36-50

INTRODUCTION:

Love is the greatest force in the world, and God Himself is love (1 John 4:8). However, the love of God is not just ordinary love—it is excess love. This means it is abundant, sacrificial, and beyond human comprehension. The story in John 12:1-9 presents a beautiful act of extravagant love shown by Mary towards Jesus. She anointed His feet with costly perfume, demonstrating a love that was selfless, honouring, and without limits.

God has demonstrated excess love towards humanity by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. This love is not based on our merits but on His grace and mercy. The question is: How do we respond to this overwhelming love? Mary responded with deep devotion, while Judas responded with criticism. Today, we must choose whether to embrace or reject this excess love.

This sermon will explore the nature of excess love, how God has shown it to us, and how we should respond to it.

1. GOD’S EXCESS LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL

The love of God does not depend on our actions or righteousness; it is freely given to all.

a) God's love is not based on merit (Romans 5:8)

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, proving His unconditional love.

b) He loves us even in our weaknesses (Psalm 103:13-14)

Like a father has compassion on his children, so does God have mercy on us.

c) God’s love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3)

His love does not change with circumstances or our failures.

d) He calls everyone to experience His love (John 3:16)

God’s love is available to all who believe in Him.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20-24)

Despite his rebellion, the father welcomed him back with open arms.

2. EXCESS LOVE IS EXPRESSED THROUGH SACRIFICE

True love always involves giving and sacrifice.

a) Mary’s sacrifice was costly (John 12:3)

She poured out an expensive perfume as an act of deep love for Jesus.

b) God sacrificed His Son for us (Romans 8:32)

He did not withhold His only Son but gave Him up for us all.

c) True love costs something (2 Samuel 24:24)

We should not offer to God what costs us nothing.

d) Love is demonstrated in action (1 John 3:18)

We should love not just with words but with deeds.

e) Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35)

He showed love by sacrificing his time, resources, and comfort.

3. EXCESS LOVE ATTRACTS CRITICISM

Whenever true love is demonstrated, some people will misunderstand and criticise.

a) Judas criticised Mary’s act of love (John 12:4-5)

He saw it as wasteful rather than as an honour to Jesus.

b) People will always question extravagant love for God (Mark 14:3-4)

Some see deep devotion as fanaticism or foolishness.

c) The world does not understand divine love (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Spiritual things are foolishness to the natural man.

d) True love does not seek approval from men (Galatians 1:10)

Our focus must be on pleasing God, not people.

e) Biblical Example: Noah’s Obedience (Genesis 6:9-14)

People mocked him, but his obedience to God was an act of love.

4. EXCESS LOVE DEMANDS TOTAL SURRENDER

If we truly love God, we must give Him our all.

a) Mary gave her best to Jesus (John 12:3)

She did not hold back in expressing her love.

b) Love requires full devotion (Luke 10:27)

We are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength.

c) Holding back shows incomplete love (Luke 9:62)

No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom.

d) Surrender leads to divine rewards (Matthew 19:29)

Those who sacrifice for God will receive abundant blessings.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham’s Sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-14)

He was willing to give up Isaac, demonstrating total surrender to God.

5. EXCESS LOVE BRINGS DIVINE RECOGNITION

When we love God extravagantly, He honours us.

a) Jesus defended Mary’s actions (John 12:7-8)

He rebuked Judas and affirmed Mary’s devotion.

b) God rewards those who love Him deeply (1 Corinthians 2:9)

No eye has seen what God has prepared for those who love Him.

c) Love for God brings His presence and power (John 14:23)

When we love Him, He dwells with us.

d) Those who honour God will be honoured by Him (1 Samuel 2:30)

He exalts those who truly love and serve Him.

e) Biblical Example: The Woman with the Alabaster Box (Mark 14:8-9)

Jesus declared that her act of love would be remembered forever.

CONCLUSION:

The story of Mary’s extravagant love for Jesus teaches us that excess love is costly, sacrificial, and sometimes misunderstood. However, God values and rewards those who love Him wholeheartedly. We are called to respond to God’s excess love by living a life of total surrender, devotion, and sacrifice.