Introduction

Good morning, cherished family of faith. As we stand on the cusp of another week, let's take a moment to pause and reflect on God's enduring love for us.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the Gospel of John, specifically chapter 12, verses 1-3. The Word of God reads as follows:

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

In this passage, we are given a glimpse into a profound moment of worship, a moment that speaks volumes about the prophetic purpose of the anointing, the passionate participation of Mary, and the predestined preparation for burial.

Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, once said, "You must keep all earthly treasures out of your heart, and let Christ be your treasure, and let Him have your heart." Isn't that the essence of Mary's actions? Isn't that the heart of true worship - a heart that loves God?

As we unpack this passage today, let's not simply skim the surface. Let's look beyond the words on the page, and strive to understand the depth of the message that God has for us. Let's ask ourselves, how can we, like Mary, express our love for God in ways that are profound, personal, and prophetic? How can we, in our daily lives, prepare ourselves and others for the presence of God?

Let's bow our heads in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and open minds. As we delve into Your Word, we ask for Your wisdom and understanding. Help us to grasp the depth of Your love for us, and guide us in expressing our love for You. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

So, let's allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we seek to understand and apply God's Word in our lives. Let's allow the fragrance of Christ's love to fill our hearts and our homes, just as the fragrance of the perfume filled the house in Bethany. Let's allow God's Word to shape us, mold us, and transform us into the image of Christ. Let's truly live out our faith, not just on Sundays, but every day of the week. Let's be like Mary, who poured out her love for Jesus in a way that was bold, beautiful, and breathtaking.

The Anointing

In the Gospel of John, we find a moment of profound significance. Mary, in a heartfelt act of worship, anoints Jesus with an expensive perfume. This act, while simple in its execution, carries a weighty prophetic significance. It's not just about the perfume or the act of anointing itself. It's about what this act signifies in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan.

The anointing of Jesus by Mary was a prophetic act that pointed to the impending death and burial of Jesus. In the Jewish culture, anointing was a common practice associated with burial. By anointing Jesus, Mary was unknowingly preparing Him for His death. This was not a random act of devotion. It was a divine orchestration that foreshadowed the greatest event in human history - the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The prophetic nature of Mary's act is further emphasized by the timing. This event took place just six days before the Passover, a significant Jewish festival that commemorates God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Passover lamb, whose blood was used to protect the Israelites from God's judgment, is a foreshadowing of Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood delivers us from the bondage of sin and death. The anointing of Jesus, just days before His crucifixion, serves as a powerful prophetic symbol of His role as our Passover Lamb.

This prophetic act of anointing also highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission. The perfume that Mary used was pure nard, a very costly and precious commodity. The fact that she was willing to use such a valuable item to anoint Jesus speaks volumes about the worth she placed on Him. It also mirrors the sacrificial love of Jesus, who was willing to give up His very life for our sake.

The anointing of Jesus also carries a prophetic message for us today. It reminds us that we too are called to live sacrificially, pouring out our lives in service to Jesus. Just as Mary poured out the perfume on Jesus, we are to pour out our love, our time, our resources, and our very lives for His glory. This is not a call to a comfortable, self-centered life. It's a call to a life of radical love and sacrificial service, a life that reflects the heart of Jesus.

In the act of anointing Jesus, Mary also demonstrates a profound understanding of Jesus' identity. She recognizes Him as the Messiah, the Anointed One. This understanding is not based on human wisdom or knowledge, but on divine revelation. It's a reminder for us that true knowledge of Jesus comes not from human intellect, but from a personal encounter with Him.

In conclusion, the prophetic purpose of the anointing is multi-faceted. It points to the impending death and resurrection of Jesus, His role as our Passover Lamb, the sacrificial nature of His mission, and our call to live sacrificially. It also underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, not through human wisdom, but through divine revelation. As we reflect on this passage, let's ask God to open our eyes to the prophetic significance of our own acts of worship, and to guide us in living lives that reflect His sacrificial love and lordship.

Our Participation

In the Gospel of John, chapter 12, verses 1-3, we find Mary in a state of passionate participation ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO