2. 29. A Beautiful Thing Mark 14:1-1 p. 938

3. A Beautiful Thing  The Faithfulness of Merry & Pippin We know what devotion looks like We know what treachery and betrayal look like  Today we encounter all three – Markan Sandwich: A Woman’s extravagant devotion Murderous treachery of the Religious Leaders Callous betrayal by Judas

4. 1. Act of Devotion  A woman pours a jar of perfume on Jesus Value 300 denarii (A year’s wages)  Stats Canada, 2010, single man’s average income: $39,900. An absurd extravagance Jesus rebukes her critics and commends her...

5. 1. Act of Devotion...  “She has done a beautiful thing to me” (v 6) If John 12 is telling the same story, this is Mary Mary’s devotion to Jesus is always at the fore Expression of love, honour, respect, adoration, reverence... She could not have honoured Jesus more highly She recognizes Jesus’ worthiness

6. 1. Act of Devotion...  “She did what she could” (v 8) Similar to the poor widow’s offering  “She put in all she had” (Mk 12:44) She didn’t hold anything back Not about monetary value A matter of the heart. It prepares Jesus for burial God the Father uses Mary to strengthen Jesus’ resolve

7. 1. Act of Devotion...  “She will be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached (v 9) Jesus anticipates his resurrection This extravagant devotion sets the pattern for committing ourselves to Christ We are all called to the same total commitment

8. 2. Storm of Criticism  Some rebuke her harshly The perfume could have been sold to help the poor. They have solid Scriptural grounds for their rebuke. “Indignant” – lit: “flare the nostrils” = “incensed” Jesus has encouraged everyone to care for the poor Love of others must not replace our first-love for God.

9. 3. Treacherous Betrayal  “Bottom slice” – Total opposition Opposition of religious leaders from early on in Mark Jesus was challenging the entire political & social order. They were not interested in change. Getting God wrong is a human condition.  We are prone to get comfortable with how we live our faith  Hold on to the way we have always done things – “good old days”  Lose focus on God’s mission – find ourselves on shaky ground.  Jesus has been talking about preaching the Gospel for a while.

10. 3. Treacherous Betrayal...  “Top slice” – Setting God’s agenda for Him Judas of his own initiative offers to help religious leaders What is Judas doing? Why? Judas’ suicide suggests he did not intend Jesus to die. He wanted to spur him into action. If Jesus responds in power his “messiahship” would begin Judas not alone in wanting to set God’s agenda or timetable

11. 3. Treacherous Betrayal...  Judas not alone in wanting to set God’s agenda or timetable My role is to faithfully walk beside Him He leads. I follow. Judas had remorse but not repentance. Other disciples failed – repented – received Power of Spirit.

12. A Beautiful Thing...  How do we be like Mary? We must not be in opposition to the things God is doing We should not try to get God on our timetable or agenda How do we do a beautiful thing for Jesus?