Sermons on Jars:

Living A Life Of Sacrifice: A Matter Of The Heart

Contributed by Mike Hays on Dec 2, 2001

The woman with the alabaster jar and the widow’s two copper coins show us that sacrificial giver is not determined by much we give, but by a grateful heart.

“Living A Life of Sacrifice: A Matter Of The Heart” Romans 12:1-8 This is the last week of our stewardship “check-up.” I hope that during the past week you have found quiet times to allow the Lord to search your heart, give you insights into His will, and give you the passion to become a godly ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Spin Me Round And Round

Contributed by Curt Cizek on Nov 28, 2008

Isaiah says that we are the clay and that God is the potter. God spins us on His potter’s wheel turning us into jars of clay for His purpose.

-Maybe you remember the song by the group Dead or Alive in the 1980s entitled “You spin me right round” -The chorus is what most people remember -It goes, “You spin me right round baby right round like a record baby, right round, round, round.” -When Andrew was younger and he would spin around in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Denomination: Lutheran

The Heart Is Forgiving

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 9, 2009

Pulpit drama monologue as if the preacher were Simon, into whose house Jesus came, and where the jar of ointment was given. An emphasis on feeling, on forgiveness,and on generosity.

Frankly, I like things cool, calm, and collected. This business of lavish public display has always bothered me. It’s just bad taste, that’s what it is, when people feel they have to hang all over each other in public. Great day, what you do see down at the market sometimes, young people so ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-47

Denomination: Baptist

Sailing To A New Harbor / Funeral (Short Homily)

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Aug 19, 2013

A Funeral Message (Short Homily) -Updated November 2016-

On behalf of ______, ... _______, ... _______ and the whole extended _______ family. We thank you for your prayerful support ... and for taking time this day ....to celebrate the life .... of ... _______ _______ _______. _______ had a gift ... she had the ability ... to make every person feel ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, John 11:25-26, Philippians 1:21-23, 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Anglican

John 12:1-8 (The Erotic & The Domestic)

Contributed by David Smith on Oct 30, 2007

It doesn’t take long at this dinner party before the chaos breaks out, this time through the surprising appearance of Mary, pouring a ludicrously expensive jar of perfume.

We’re turning to John’s Gospel today, which, quite frankly, is a little unnerving for me, as I find John’s Gospel more difficult to deal with than the other three John retells the story of Jesus in such a way that things are rarely as they appear to be. Jesus speaks of being born ’from above’ and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Comfort

Contributed by Darrin Fish on Oct 3, 2009

As earthen vessels As jars of clay, We are stewards of God’s comfort. God places his comfort in us, So that we may in turn comfort others.

Introduction A little boy stopped by the super market and asked the cashier where he could find a box of Tide… he said it was for washing his cat. The lady was quick to tell him that he shouldn’t wash his cat with Tide but she couldn’t change his mind. The lady said, ‘Well son, I warned you not ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Denomination: Christian Church

Comfort

Contributed by Darrin Fish on May 7, 2014

As earthen vessels As jars of clay, We are stewards of God’s comfort. God places his comfort in us, So that we may in turn comfort others.

Title: Jars of Caring Text: II Corinthians 1:3-7 Thesis: We are “Jars of Clay” through whom God works. Introduction A little boy stopped by the super market and asked the cashier where he could find a box of Tide… he said it was for washing his cat. The lady was quick to tell ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Denomination: Christian Church

Dead Flies In A Nation Series

Contributed by Charles Payne on Oct 18, 2025

America did not begin in perfection — but it began in fear of God. Our earliest laws quoted Scripture. But dead flies do not fall all at once. The jar spoils slowly.

🪰 DEAD FLIES IN A NATION (National Decay) SEEING THE BIG PICTURE TEXT Ecclesiastes 10:1 “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor…” PROLOGUE: A NATION ONCE FRAGRANT America did not begin in perfection — but it began in fear of God. Our earliest ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:1, Proverbs 14:34, Proverbs 28:15, Isaiah 1:23, Isaiah 59:14, Habakkuk 1:4, Ecclesiastes 9:18, Isaiah 3:9, Jeremiah 6:15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Do What You Can

Contributed by Don Brockus on Oct 6, 2007

It is my opinion that although the gospels of Matt., Mk., Lk., and John record some similar details regarding the alabaster jar, the critical reader will conclude that three separate anointing occur.

Do What You Can! (Mark 14:3-9) (Mark 14:1-9; Matthew 26:7-13; Luke 7:36-40; John 12:3-8, cf. [confer]) Introduction In our pericope (Pericope is an English word with Greek origins for: a passage from a written work) this morning, I have chosen Mark 14:3-9. It is my opinion that although the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:3-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Beauty Of Extravagant Worship Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

Worship isn't about coming to get something from God; it's all about giving Him something. When you bless the Lord, you can't help but be blessed in return.

INTRODUCTION I’ve shared some church bulletin bloopers in the past, but churches just keep making mistakes with their announcements. Here are some actual statements that appeared in church bulletins. 1. The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Widow Of Zarephath

Contributed by Samuel M on Jan 1, 2024

Elijah went to the right widow, but she had no provisions to provide for the prophet. She just had a handful of flour in a bin and a little oil in a jar to make one last meal before dying.

Elijah went to the right widow, but she had no provisions to provide for the prophet. She just had a handful of flour in a bin and a little oil in a jar to make one last meal before dying. She was getting ready to eat her last meal and then die. God said He commanded the widow, but the widow was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:9

God Provides In Difficult Times Series

Contributed by Henry Trocino Jr. on Jun 22, 2017

Part 4 of the Sermon Series, "God of Elisha"

The brief account of the widow’s oil illustrates Yahweh’s blessing of those who are faithful to the Mosaic Law. Yahweh provides a means of income for the widow, a “pastor’s wife,” and her family. In the miracle of the widow’s oil, we learn valuable lessons on how to receive God’s blessing of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7, Leviticus 25:39, Micah 2:9, Psalm 121:1, James 2:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Look Before You Label

Contributed by David Yarbrough on Jul 23, 2001

We’ve all used labels. We stick them on jars and manila folders so we’ll know what’s inside. We also stick them on people for the same reason.

Intro: When I was in Bible College I meet an interesting young man by the name of Shannon. What made him interesting were his looks. His hair was a different color each week, his ears were loaded with earrings, and he wore the big loose grunge style clothing. But the most interesting point of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Holy Innocents

Contributed by William Mouser on Jan 10, 2006

This jarring episode is just as much a part of the Christmas season as the manger scene. Though grim, the fate of the Innocents shows us how and why we share the hope they had in Christ’s second advent

Psalm 124, Jeremiah 3:15-17, Revelation 21:1-7, Matthew 2:13-18 The Holy Innocents The Gospel lesson that is read today is actually from the lectionary for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which in the liturgical calendar is celebrated on December 28 – four days ago. The Book of Common Prayer ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Nine Steps To Develop A Healthy Conscience

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Sep 5, 2004

Be thankful if you have a good conscience. When it gives you a warning whistle, pay attention! Then fight to preserve your faith and keep your conscience clear. That jarring sound is there to help you stay in fellowship with Christ

Nine Steps to Develop a Healthy Conscience (Hebrews 9:13-9:14) "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who by virtue of His eternal Spirit has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God, purify consciences from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the ever living God." (Heb ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:13-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational