Giving Your Best To Jesus

GIVING YOUR BEST TO JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 12:1-8

Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:21, Romans 12:1, 2 Samuel 24:24, Luke 7:37-38, Mark 14:3-9

INTRODUCTION:

Giving to Jesus is an act of love and devotion that reflects our heart's posture toward Him. In John 12:1-8, we see Mary of Bethany pouring expensive perfume on Jesus' feet as an act of extravagant worship. This gesture was met with criticism, yet Jesus commended her for doing a beautiful thing.

Many believers today struggle with giving their best to God—whether in worship, service, time, or resources. Some hold back due to fear, material attachments, or criticism from others. However, Mary’s act teaches us that true love for Jesus is demonstrated in costly, selfless giving.

This sermon will explore the importance of giving our best to Jesus, the obstacles we face, and the blessings that follow a heart that honours God with total devotion.

1. TRUE WORSHIP INVOLVES SACRIFICE

Worship is not just about singing or praying—it involves sacrificial giving of ourselves, our time, and our resources.

a) Worship that Costs Nothing is Not True Worship (2 Samuel 24:24)

David refused to offer to God what cost him nothing. True worship is sacrificial.

b) Mary’s Act was Costly (John 12:3)

The perfume was worth about a year’s wages, showing her deep devotion.

c) Worship Requires Giving Our Best (Romans 12:1)

We must offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.

d) Worship Should be From the Heart (Matthew 6:21)

Where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

e) Biblical Example: The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44)

She gave all she had, demonstrating true faith and worship.

2. THE CRITICISM OF TRUE DEVOTION

Whenever someone wholeheartedly serves God, there will be criticism.

a) Judas' Complaint (John 12:4-5)

He pretended to care for the poor but was actually selfish and greedy.

b) People Often Misunderstand True Worship (Luke 7:39)

Simon the Pharisee judged the sinful woman for anointing Jesus.

c) The World Does Not Understand Sacrificial Living (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Spiritual things are foolishness to the natural man.

d) Do Not Let Criticism Stop Your Worship (Psalm 34:1)

Even in opposition, we must continually praise and honour God.

e) Biblical Example: David’s Dance Before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14-16)

Michal despised David’s undignified worship, but God honoured him.

3. GIVING TO JESUS BRINGS SPIRITUAL REWARDS

God never overlooks acts of love and sacrifice done in His name.

a) Jesus Commended Mary’s Act (John 12:7)

He said she had done a good thing in preparing Him for burial.

b) Giving to God is Never in Vain (Luke 6:38)

Whatever we give will be given back, pressed down and running over.

c) God Honours Those Who Honour Him (1 Samuel 2:30)

Those who prioritise God will experience divine favour.

d) Our Sacrifice Becomes a Lasting Memorial (Mark 14:9)

Jesus declared that Mary’s act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.

e) Biblical Example: Cornelius' Generosity (Acts 10:1-4)

His prayers and gifts to the poor ascended as a memorial before God.

4. WHAT CAN YOU GIVE TO JESUS TODAY?

Giving is not just about money; it is about honouring Jesus with our whole lives.

a) Your Heart and Love (Matthew 22:37)

Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind is the greatest gift.

b) Your Time and Service (Colossians 3:23)

Serving in His house and ministering to others is an act of worship.

c) Your Resources and Finances (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Honouring God with our wealth leads to divine provision.

d) Your Obedience and Submission (John 14:15)

If we love Jesus, we will obey His commandments.

e) Biblical Example: The Macedonian Church’s Generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

Though poor, they gave beyond their ability because of their devotion to God.

5. THE RIGHT ATTITUDE IN GIVING TO JESUS

Giving to God must come from a heart of love and sincerity, not obligation.

a) Give Willingly and Cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)

God loves a cheerful giver.

b) Give with Reverence and Gratitude (Psalm 116:12)

Our giving should reflect our thankfulness for all God has done.

c) Give Without Seeking Praise from Men (Matthew 6:3-4)

True giving should be done for God, not for public recognition.

d) Give in Faith and Expectation (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith-filled giving brings supernatural breakthroughs.

e) Biblical Example: Abel’s Acceptable Offering (Genesis 4:3-5)

God honoured Abel’s offering because it was given with the right heart.

CONCLUSION:

Mary’s act of love and sacrifice teaches us that Jesus deserves our very best. Our worship, devotion, and giving should reflect the value we place on Christ. Like Mary, we must not allow criticism or distractions to stop us from honouring Him.

What are you offering to Jesus today? Are you giving Him your best, or are you holding back? Let us commit to worshipping Him with all we have—our time, our talents, and our treasures. As we do so, we will experience divine favour and eternal rewards.