At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are called to live lives transformed by the love of Jesus. As we delve into the story of Mary anointing Jesus, we find a profound example of sacrificial worship. Mary recognized Jesus not just as a teacher or healer, but as the Messiah, the very Son of God. Her act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume was a declaration of her faith and devotion.
Mary’s Recognition of Jesus
Mary understood the true identity of Jesus. He was not merely an itinerant preacher or a godly man; He was the awaited Messiah. This recognition compelled her to act in a way that might seem extravagant to others. In 1 Corinthians 11:15, we read that long hair is a woman’s pride and joy. Mary used her pride and joy to wipe Jesus’ feet, demonstrating that no sacrifice was too great for her Savior.
Mary’s understanding of Jesus’ identity is a powerful reminder for us today. In a world that often reduces Jesus to a mere historical figure or moral teacher, we are called to recognize Him as the Son of God, the Savior of the world. This recognition should transform our lives and inspire us to worship Him with all that we are.
The Beauty of Sacrificial Worship
Mary’s act of worship was beautiful and profound. She broke an alabaster jar of costly perfume, anointing Jesus in preparation for His burial. This act was not just about the physical anointing but was a symbol of her total surrender and love for Jesus. Jesus accepted and defended her actions, emphasizing the importance of recognizing His presence and the urgency of worship.
In Mark 14:6-9, Jesus says, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me… Truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” This statement underscores the eternal significance of Mary’s act of worship. It was not just a momentary gesture but a lasting testament to her faith and devotion.
Application: Study, Share, Serve
- Study: Dive into the Scriptures to understand the depth of Jesus’ identity and the call to worship Him with our whole lives. Reflect on passages like Philippians 2:5-11, which speaks of Jesus’ humility and exaltation.
- Share: Share the story of Mary’s devotion with others, encouraging them to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Use this story as a conversation starter to discuss the importance of worship and surrender.
- Serve: Serve others with the same sacrificial love that Mary showed, reflecting the love of Christ in action. Consider volunteering at a local shelter or participating in a church outreach program.
Conclusion
Mary’s act of worship challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for Jesus. As we embrace the mission of Lakeview Christian Church, let us be inspired by Mary’s example to give Jesus everything, recognizing that He is worth it all. In doing so, we will experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life of true worship.
