The Plot, The Perfume & The Pretender....

In today’s culture, most people do not live moderate lives. Online political rhetoric is an art form, credit card debt is massive, hobbies are part-time jobs and kids' sports on Saturday mornings have turned into weekend trips out of state. Likewise, entertainment is anything but moderate with doom scrolling, all night gaming and Netflix binging being all too commonplace. Additionally, we view fanaticism for sports as a relief from busyness, fanaticism for acquiring wealth as wisdom and fanaticism for a job is an admirable work ethic. But, what about fanaticism for Jesus? That, according to our culture, is labeled as extreme and must be tempered. After all, that is much too radical for our post-modern society.  However, this view of fanaticism for Jesus poses a conflict for Christians because Holy Scripture teaches that worship must never be calculated or half hearted. Specifically, today's featured passage, Mark 14:1-11, teaches that because Jesus poured out his life in salvation, you may safely and joyfully pour yourself out in worship of Him. 

In verse 1 of this passage, we read that the Passover, a celebration of great importance, was only two days away. In Jewish culture, two among several things of importance related to the Passover are as follows: 1) lambs were slain for each home to cover the sins of the Jewish people and 2) the total number of people present in Jerusalem was up to six times greater than normal due to the number of pilgrims who traveled there for this celebration. Also, we must note two very important events that occurred earlier in Jesus’ ministry. The first even took place when John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29, John 1:36). The second important event occurred when the Pharisees acknowledged Jesus’ immense popularity when they stated that the world has gone after Him (John 12:19). But, despite who Jesus was (and still is) and the massive crowds, the chief priests and teachers of the law plotted to both arrest and to kill Jesus at this time. Specifically, they recruited Judas to betray Jesus for payment (Mark 14:10-11), (Mark 14:43-46), lied to Pontius Pilate about the King of the Jews at the trial (Mark 15:3) and (also at the trial) rallied the massive crowd against Jesus (Mark 15:11). So, did the chief priests and teachers of the law suceed? On the surface, it appeared they prevailed when Jesus was sentenced and put to death. However, in the grand scheme of eternity, they did not. Why? Because God is absolutely sovereign and, as He always does, sinlessly used the sin of men in these circumstances to accomplish His perfect plan of Salvation.

Christian, it is important to recognize that every kind of person imaginable was present at Christ's crucifixion: single women, playful children, hardworking men and aspirational young adults – all there by divine appointment. Likewise, just as God’s timetable was perfect for those present at that horrible, yet beautiful moment, God's timing is just as perfect for you today. Undoubtedly, you have suffered immense pain and sorrow in your life and, most likely, will continue to do so. Yet, despite these difficulties, your Lord has a perfect and beautiful plan for you and your life. And, as a result of this perfect plan, your worship can be 100% passionate, whole-hearted and free from all restraint. Brothers and sisters, are you pouring yourself out in worship in response to Christ’s sacrifice for you? If not, will you begin doing so today?

To learn more about God's Salvation plan, follow this link. 

To listen to or watch this entire sermon, click here.