Our Best For Jesus

OUR BEST FOR JESUS

Text: Mark 14:3; John 12:3

Mark 14:3 (KJV) And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

John 12:3 (KJV) Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Introduction: A woman came: John’s account of this incident (John 12:1-8) tells us that this was Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus and Martha.

i. This isn’t the same as when sinful woman brought the alabaster box with ointment, broke it an anointed Jesus’ feet. That occasion was precious, but it was different in that the woman was overwhelmed with her own sense of sinfulness and adoration to her pardoning Lord. Mary seems focused on Jesus alone, not even on her own forgiven sin. It is a great thing to love Jesus for all He has done for us; it can be greater still to love Him simply for who He is in all His wonder and majesty.

____David Guzik

i. "Early in the first century Pliny the Elder remarked that ’the best ointment is preserved in alabaster.’ The value of the perfume, and its identification as nard, suggests that it was a family heirloom that was passed on from one generation to another, from mother to daughter." (Lane) quoted by David Guzik

iv. Mary did this without a word. We gather that her sister Martha was quite the talker, but Mary was a doer. She didn’t announce what she was going to do, and she didn’t describe it as she did it, nor did she explain it after she did it. She simply did it.

v. "If we could all do more and talk less it might be a blessing to ourselves at least, perhaps to others. Let us labor in our service for the Lord to be more and more hidden; as much as the proud desire to catch the eye of man, let us endeavor to avoid it."

________Guzik/Bibliography Information

Guzik, David. "Commentary on Mark 14". "David Guzik’s Commentaries

on the Bible". . 1997-2003.

Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm. -Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The Reformer," lecture, Boston, 25 Jan 1841

Theme: Mary’s actions showed she was giving her very best to the Lord Jesus.

I. Our Considerations

A. What Can We Give The Lord Jesus?

B. Why Give Our Best To The Lord?

C. Results Of Giving Our Best

II. What Can We Give The Lord Jesus?

A. Our Love

1. It is most desired by Christ.

2. Mt. 10:37

3. John 21:15-17

B. The Best of Our Years

1. He is worthy.

2. Give our best strength.

3. Quote: Whatever you are, be a good one. -Abraham Lincoln

C. The Best of Our Talents, Abilities, and Giftedness

1. Place them at His feet.

2. Unreservedly allow God to use them.

III. Why Give Our Best To The Lord?

A. Again--He is worthy!

B. He is the:

1. Eternal Son of God ( Jn. 1:1,14 )

2. The Lord of Glory ( 1 Cor. 2:8 )

3. The Savior of men ( 1 Tim. 1:15 )

4. a personal Savior ( Gal. 2:20 )

C. He has given His all for us.

1. precious blood for our redemption ( 1 Peter 1:18-19 )

2. ongoing intercession for the saints ( Hebrews 9:24 )

D. In giving our best we receive His best.

1. He increases our capacity to receive ( Jn 10:10 ).

2. He becomes unspeakable precious to us ( 1Peter 2:7, 10 ).

IV. Some Results Of Giving Our Best To The Lord?

A. Some naysayers will object.

B. Jesus will be pleased.

C. Others will be helped

1. far reaching influence

2. Mark 14:9 (KJV) Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel

shall be preached throughout the whole world, this

also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

D. Doing your best is more important than being the best. -Anonymous

V. We Have Considered:

A. What Can We Give The Lord Jesus?

B. Why Give Our Best To The Lord?

C. Results Of Giving Our Best

Conclusion:

Shamgar had an ox goad,

David had a sling,

Dorcas had a needle,

Rahab had some string,

Mary had some ointment,

Moses had a rod,

Have you some small talent

you’ll dedicate to God?

____Source Unknown

Andrew Murray said that God is ready to assume

full responsibility for a life wholly yielded to Him.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses:

but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

_________The Bible (KJV): Psalms 20:7