Alabaster Giving #2
Mark 14:3-9
Introduction
There is a beautiful story here. A story so important that it is found in three of the Gospels. A story that Jesus said would be told and remembered throughout history.
In order to help us understand this event, I want to do it through a series of 5 questions.
1. The Question of Who.
2. The Question of Why.
3. The Question of Where.
4. The Question of When.
5. The Question of What.
First of all we will ask:
I. Who Was This Woman?
Her name was Mary. She is mentioned else where in the Gospels as having a sister, Martha and a brother Lazarus. She was probably unmarried.
Contrasted with her sister Martha, she didn’t have the talents that Martha had but she did have something – “An Alabaster Box of Ointment”
Next we will ask:
II. Why Did She Do It?
1. How did she know what to do? She spent time at Jesus feet. Lk. 10:39
2. How important is that? What did Mary love to do more than anything? – Sit at Jesus feet.
3. It’s not enough to do things for Jesus. You need to do what he wants done. This can only be done if you spend time at the feet of Jesus.
Illustration
A boy scout was trying to earn his good deed badge by helping a little old lady across the street. The problem was that she didn’t want to cross the street.
Many times we try to do things for Jesus that He doesn’t want done.
The third Question we ask is:
III. Where Did She Do It? – In the face of criticism
1. Get on fire for God and the world won’t necessarily like it. – Note who criticizes - Judas
2. Sell out for Jesus and you will be put down. – Relatives, loved ones
Do you think that Judas really cared for the poor?
There is more than one kind of poverty – Physical poverty – Spiritual poverty.
The fourth Question is:
IV. When Did She Do It? Mk. 14:8
On that first Easter morning a small band of women prepared spices and brought them to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. – But He wasn’t there.
It was too late. Do what you can – when you can.
One of these days it’s going to be too late to Witness to that loved one.
One of these days it’s going to be too late to Serve.
One of these days it’s going to be too late to Give.
And the Final Question is:
V. What Did She Do?
Why did Jesus say that what she did would be preached as a memorial to her?
She Broke the Box. – She didn’t just pour some out. She gave it all. – A years salary.
She held back nothing – She gave her best.
Illustration
A father had two sons. One was brilliant and one was mentally retarded. In the same week one graduated from college with a 4.0 average and the other learned to tie his shoes. The father was equally proud of each.
Conclusion
1. It was a Misunderstood Work.
2. It was a Meager Work.
3. It was a Mighty Work.
4. It was a Meaningful Work.
5. It was a Memorable Work.
