"How To Show Love To People Before They Die"

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris, Jr.

West Fort Hood Chapel

Second Worship Service since Iraq

Killeen, TX

21 March 2010

Big Idea: When we express love to others, we are demonstrating the love of God.

Scriptural References: EAI (Expository; Application; Illustration); Hebrews 4:15 (KJV) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin;

Psalm 126 (A Psalm attributed to King Hezekiah by many theologians; Notation: Only John points out Judas as the one who made the protest against this waste of money, while Mark says some had indignation; and Matthew has it that the disciples had indignation;

Romans 12:6-8 (ESV) – Living Sacrifice - We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully; Matthew 26:6-7 NIV (Jesus Anointed at Simon the Leper’s House) While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table; Luke 7:36-50 (NIV) Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman at Simon the Pharisee’s House; Mark 14:3 (NIV) – Jesus at Simon the Leper’s House in Bethany - While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head; John 12:3 (ESV) Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume; John 12:7-11 (NIV) “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him. John 11:2 (ESV) It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill; Deuteronomy 15:10-11 (NIV) Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land; 2 Kings 18:3-6 (NIV) – Hezekiah, King of Judah; 2 Kings 20 – King Hezekiah’s illness and Isaiah’s Instructions for him to get his house in order;

I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: John 12:1-8 (ESV)

II. READ THE PERICOPE: John 12:1-8 (ESV)

III. READ THE TEXT: John 12:3 ESV (Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume;

IV. PURPOSE: To motivate the hearers to affirm to others that when we express love to others, we are also demonstrating the love of God.

V. SERMONIC THEME: “How to Show Love to people before they die”

VI. INTRODUCTION:

As recorded in the Message Bible, the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 126:

It seemed like a dream, too good to be true,

when GOD returned Zion’s exiles.

We laughed, we sang,

we couldn’t believe our good fortune.

We were the talk of the nations—

“GOD was wonderful to them!”

GOD was wonderful to us;

we are one happy people.

And now, GOD, do it again—

bring rains to our drought-stricken lives

So those who planted their crops in despair

will shout hurrahs at the harvest,

So those who went off with heavy hearts

will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.

******* TAKE 5 BEATS *******

MOVE 1: We don’t know who wrote this particular psalm.

a. Some think King Hezekiah is the writer; If he is the writer. It’s quite appropriate for him to be the author. Because his name (Hezekiah) along means “the one who God strengthens”.