Title: “Encountering Christ: Mary’s Extravagant Demonstration of Devotion” Script: Mt. 26:6-13
Type; Series Where: GNBC 3-20-23
Intro: Many of you know that my oldest daughter and her family live in the Texas Hill Country. They live on a small ranch that they are going to use as a ministry center for young people. Last fall they had their 1st Harvest Festival to introduce the ministry to the community and begin to start fund raising. A few weeks after the festival, they got a call from a couple in a town about an hour away. The couple asked several questions about the ministry. The next day the wife called again and spoke to Katherine for about an hour. The same thing happened later in the week. Finally, the woman called a fourth time and said they would like to give a donation to the ministry and wondered if Katherine and Jon would mind driving to their city to pick up the check in person. Thought it was a strange request, but went. Drove into their neighborhood and knocked on the door. Older couple came to the door and invited the Hagers in. After a few minutes of small talk they told Jon and Katherine: “We are supportive of what you are doing and would like to give you this check to help with your ministry. One stipulation, please don’t ever share our names. We want this to be anonymous. Agreed and opened the check… $200,000! Katherine shaking! Grateful! PTL! Was an EXTRAVAGANT act of support. Well, in today’s }”Encounter with Christ” we see an individual, Mary, demonstrating an extravagant act of devotion towards Jesus.
Prop: Exam. Mt. 26:6-13 we’ll notice 3 Important Elements of this Encounter with Christ.
BG: 1. Story takes place right before the Triumphal Entry. Part of Christ’s formal presentation to Israel.
2. Event is contained in Mt. 26; Mk 14:3-9; John 12:2-11. Not the same story as recorded in Lk. 7. Different event. 3. Singularly one of the greatest acts of devotion towards Christ recorded in the Gospels.
Prop: Examine Mt. 26 w/me as we see 3 Important Elements of this Encounter with Christ.
I. Mary Poured Out What She Had of Value in Her Devotion to Christ.
A. Mary Pours out What She Had of Value in Her Devotion to Jesus.
1. As Jesus is gathered with Friends for a meal, an Extravagant act of Devotion takes place.
a. The event takes place at an interesting location with several notable guests. Matthew and Mark tell us that the event takes place at Bethany, a village about 2 miles outside of Jerusalem. They are about to eat a meal together at the home of Simon the Leper (Obviously healed.) John tells us that Martha is there, doing what she does best: serving. Besides Jesus and the disciples, John records (12:2) one other notable guest: Lazarus, whom you may remember that Jesus raised from the read in the previous chapter of John’s Gospel!
b. Interestingly, only John records who the next individual in the encounter is by name, Mary. This is the Mary who notably sits at the Master’s feet, and thereby chooses the “better thing”. (Lk. 10:39) Both Mt. and Mk simply state: “a woman with an alabaster vile” enters the supper and disrupts the proceedings with an extravagant act of devotion! Taking her alabaster vile of perfume she pours it over the Savior’s head and feet and wipes it from His feet with her hair! Illust: I can only image what a room full of men must have been thinking right about then! Have you ever been in a room when a woman had WAY TOO MUCH perfume on? God help you if you have COPD! This isn’t, a few extra pumps of Channel. Rather, this is an entire POUND of pure spikenard!
2. What was this Gift that Mary poured out on Jesus?
a. Bible Scholar Leon Morris tells us: “There are several expressions that show that the gift made by Mary was very costly. First it is said that it came in an “alabaster box.” The Greek word so translated denotes, according to Liddell and Scott, a “globular vase without handles for holding perfumes, often made of alabaster.” Such a container was itself costly whether made of alabaster or not, and thus it was only in use for holding perfumes that were of value. Evidently it was sealed, for Mark tells us that she broke the box to pour its contents over the Master’s head.” (The Story of the Cross, p. 12)
b. Both Mark and John (v.5 in both accounts) tell us the value of the perfume. This is worth the equivalent of a year’s wages for a laborer! “300 denarii”. Have you ever wondered what this vile represented to Mary? Ever wonder how she got it? Was it a family treasure handed down? Was it an important personal treasurer she had worked years to purchase? Was it her dowry for marriage? We don’t know.
B. What was the Meaning of this Extravagant Act of Devotion?
1. It Meant that Mary Believed Christ’s Message
a. Purpose: Anointing Jesus’ body for burial. Jesus even says this: Jesus informs His disciples that her sacrifice was “to prepare Me for burial” (Matt. 26:12). Her action would be retold “in memory of her” (vs. 13) spiritual perception and faithful action. Contrast that to the disciples.
b. During His ministry, Christ had repeatedly made mention of His purpose in coming and His death to fulfill. As far as we can tell from the Gospels, the disciples only barely understood this, and were in some ways openly opposed to this. (Peter’s statement in Mt. 16:22 – “Lord, this shall NEVER happen to you!” Jesus’ reply, “Get thee behind me, Satan!”.
2. It Demonstrated that Mary Willingly Gave Her All in Devotion to Christ.
a. Illust: An Asian collector paid the princely sum of US$558,000 at an Oct. 2018 auction at Sotheby’s. The wine was a 1945 Romanée-Conti, In the process, several records were set, including the highest price paid for a standard size bottle of Burgundy, and – at the time – the most expensive bottle of wine in the world. Only 600 bottles of the challenging 1945 vintage were produced by the Vineyard. Do you know how that bottle retains its value? People willing to pay the price. Bottle not being opened. Wine not being drunk. What happen if accidently opened and drank? Bottle would be worthless!
b. Think about Mary’s gift in light of this. “The gift was costly, but it was given without stint. The broken vase is symbolic of many things: of the wholeheartedness of the gift and its irrevocability, and of the fact that suffering even to the point of breaking is sometimes the way in which the purest fragrance is released in life.” (Morris, ibid.)
C. Applic: Christian, whatever you have of devotion, give it to Christ without measure. For some it may be like Mary, personal treasure. For others, its your talent. For others its your time. Unlike that snobbish wine, the gift you extravagantly pour out on Jesus is multiplied in value, not decreased!
II. Beware of Criticizing the Devotion of Others
A. There Will always be Detractors of those Expressing Extravagant Devotion.
1. Immediately, Mary’s Extravagant Act of Devotion Draws the Attention of Detractors.
a. Mary pours out her extravagant gift. The disciples are indignant and corporately identified as challenging her poor stewardship by saying, “Why this waste?” (Matt. 26:8). Judas is identified as the speaker who says, “Why wasn’t this oil sold...and the money given to the poor?” (John 12:5). John points out that Judas said this “because he was a thief” (vs. 6) and concerned he would have less to rob from the till, not because he was concerned for the poor.
b. Did you notice something very telling in the passage? Matthew doesn’t say it, but Mark and John do. Matthew only records that the perfume could have been sold for a very high price. The other writers record that Judas (and the other disciples) immediately knew the value of the gift! Might indicate a focus. Let me also simply say something in passing: “It is NEVER a “waste” to give Jesus your best!”
2. There will always be Christians Who will offer their Criticism of Extravagant Devotion.
a. Notice the attitude of the disciples in this encounter with Christ. What one word characterizes their observation of events? INDIGNANT! Indignant! What is the definition of indignant? “feeling or showing anger because of something unjust or unworthy” Break that down. The disciples were ANGRY because Mary took her own personal treasure and literally applied it to Christ! How many hours had Judas or James worked for that perfume? Not a single hour! Was it their family treasurer? No! Then truly, “What business was it of theirs?” “It was NONE of their business!
b. Let me give a general principle in relation to this matter that we would all do well to follow: Romans 14:4 “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” Now, the context of that passage in Romans is in relation to Christians judging one another with regard to the food they eat. Whether meat sacrificed to idols or eating only vegetables. There was a principle of personal faith and conscience involved. Paul admonishes believers to “accept the one whose faith is weak” (i.e. the one whose conscience only allowed him or her to eat vegetables. Thus, not to quarrel over disputable matters. Again, it was a matter of individual faith and conscience. Should not judge the person whose convictions may be different. The application of that in this encounter is the same. “Judas, don’t judge Mary for something she was doing by faith according to her conscience.”
B. Beware to Not Be Critical of the Extravagant Acts of Devotion of Others.
1. We should joyfully affirm the acts of devotion of others. Even extravagant acts!
a. Illust: On the outskirts of Kerrville, TX, there is a hilltop near I-10. Several years ago someone bought that hill. 25 acres on top is the “Coming King Prayer Garden”. Has a 77’ 7” tall empty cross, at the head of a 300 ft cross shaped prayer garden, 18’ bronze “Christ the Coming King” statue of Jesus on a horse, there are bronze statues of Mary, the Fisher of Men, The Servant of Men, plus several other bronze statues that were created by 3 internationally known artists. The purpose of the garden is (In their words.) “ to experience God's presence, love, power, mercy, forgiveness and miracles as you read through the plaques affixed to the inside walls of the magnificent cross.” The cost to build the park has been in excess of $5 million to date. Must admit, awed by beauty and for a fleeting moment I thought, “Wow, this money could have been given to….” (Shut up, Chris! Enjoy it!)
b. God works with the giftings and leadings of His children. And sometimes He calls us to do things that others simply don’t see as reasonable or wise. It is NOT our job to offer commentary on their devotion.
2. Don’t let personal objections overrule the priority of the worship of Christ. There is always Opportunity to Meet the Needs of others.
a. Let’s at least give the other disciples (Not Judas.) the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they were concerned for the feeding the poor. That is a good and noble purpose. Jesus did this on at least a couple of very notable occasions. Also, throughout history, the Church has consistently fed the poor, cared for widows and orphans, etc. James even tells us that this is a mark of true religion (Ja. 1:27).
b. Jesus addresses this mindset. V. 11 – “The poor you will always have with you.” Any day of the week you and I can show love for the poor. “But you will not always have me.” Again, Jesus is showing the value. Illust – In our culture, why do we pick expensive coffins and shower them with flowers at the death of a loved one? The act (hopefully) comes out of a heart overflowing with love and grief. Last chance to express love and devotion. That’s Mary’s motivation.
C. Applic: fight against the temptation to judge the motives of others. Especially when it comes to the worship of the Lord.
III. Jesus Affirms and Praises Mary’s Demonstration of Extravagant Devotion.
A. Jesus Affirms the Mary’s Extravagant Act of Devotion.
1. Christ Affirms the Worth of the Extravagant Action of Mary.
a. The humility of Mary allowed her to foresee, albeit subconsciously, Jesus’ imminent death, whereas the sometimes-pompous apostles missed seeing it altogether. Ponder a situation where either you or someone you know recognized God at work and acted in a profoundly faithful and sacrificial way. How did God bless that?
b. The anointing of the Jesus brings out an important contrast, a contrast of the insight and devotion of Mary, and the indifference and deadened responses of the disciples. Hearing their criticism and scolding, Jesus comes to Mary’s rescue. V.10 – “She has done a good deed to me.” (End of discussion! But not quite. Her memory will be blessed eternally for her devotion. v13)
2. Realize what Mary was ultimately doing in this event.
a. Mary was quietly pointing people to the Savior. She was occupied with Him. Though the text does not say so, we can be sure she was not filled with evil thoughts of jealousy, resentment, or bitterness. There was surely sadness, but also spiritual joy. The disciples, on the other hand, had their eyes on others, and were all filled with resentment which erupted in ugliness towards Mary. The result was, they scolded her (v. 9). In Mark’s account in 14:5 the word used to describe the disciples scolding of Mary was: embrimaomai, was used of a snorting horse. Men often snort at a person’s devotion to the Lord and often, as here, they do it in the name of religion or some humanitarian cause (Here: “feed the poor”.) Mary was joining in with the ministry, purpose and plan of Jesus as she believed His message and anointed Him for His burial. (v.12)
b. Illust: Devotion to a hobby or a sport is often seen as admirable enthusiasm. However, devotion to the Lord is often viewed as fanaticism. Have you ever wondered why? Because that kind of devotion manifests the lack of devotion of others toward God and their own lack of spiritual priorities. The plain truth is that devotion like Mary’s in this instance is terribly convicting! True devotion always focuses on elevating the Lord, who is Himself the manifestation of light, often brings to light the darkened hearts of unbelief, hardness, or lack of devotion.
B. Jesus Affirms the Extravagant Acts of Devotion
1. Christ affirms lives that are fully devoted to Him.
a. Illust – When I was meditating on this passage I thought of another woman who was publicly praised for her act of extravagant devotion. Do you remember in Widow with two copper coins in Mk. 12:41-44? Wealthy people were lining up to throw large amounts of money into the temple offering. There was a great crowd appreciating these gifts. Many were certainly giving in such a public fashion so as to gain the praise and approval of other men. Yet Jesus notices one widow. Putting in her 2 cents. Jesus elevates her gift above all others. Why? Not because of the amount. Rather, because it represented all that she had to live on!
b. Friend, let me ask you, “Have you or I ever responded to God’s leading with an extravagant act of worship?” Costly? Mary certainly does here. It’s her retirement fund. Her nest egg. Her dowry. Have you ever responded to God’s asking you to do something extravagant and then sit back and watch Him receive all the glory, honor, and praise? It may be a financial gift. May be an act of service. It may be a life of devotion.
2. Let’s live lives of extravagant worship and devotion to our Lord.
a. A life of strong faith doesn’t happen automatically or without any effort on our part. Although we are not saved by our own endeavors, spiritual growth requires the appropriation of all the means God has provided to help us walk faithfully with Him. Christ has gone before us to model how to live faithfully, no matter how difficult the circumstances. He demonstrated perfect trust, always doing exactly what His Father commanded—even going to the cross. Jesus endured shame and suffering by focusing on the joy that would be His in the completed redemption of a people for God’s glory.
b. Illust: A couple of weeks ago I told you the story of the conversion of CT Studd, one of the Cambridge 7 world famous Cricket Team in the late 1800’s. Told how he was saved after his millionaire father got saved at a DL Moody Crusade. When CT got saved, became “radical”. Missionary in 3 continents. Famous quote: ““If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” Now, I told you the story of his beginning. Have I told you how his life ended? Dying of sickness in 1931 in Ibambi, Dem. Republic of Congo. Family and friends gathering around him. “I am sorry I don’t have anything to give you…I gave it all to Jesus years ago.” Then he said, “Hallelujah” and died. You know what I think CT Studd heard 1 second after death? “Well done, good and faithful servant…come share in your master’s happiness.”
C. Applic: v.13 – What a testimony. Here today. In Iowa, Mary’s extravagant act of worship is told one more time. What do you and I want to be remembered for?
