What a Waste | Mark 14:1-11
Sermon Summary:
This week we focus on the wasteful woman who dumps a bunch of expensive ointment on Jesus' body. Some people who see this are deeply offended that she would waste such an amount of money in such a foolish way–it could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. On the surface, this seems like a logical reaction…but there is more going on here, isn’t there? We will explore how this “wasteful” act is actually one of the most powerful expressions of faith the world has ever seen. Are there other acts that might seem wasteful or wrong that followers of Jesus do? The world may declare, much like the onlookers in this story, that we are being wasteful. But when we act in faith, looking forward to Jesus’ words coming true, we are absolutely not being wasteful.
People saw the woman anoint Jesus and declared “What a waste!”
Anyone who doesn’t believe God’s Word will declare that acts done in faith are wasteful.
This woman is not wasteful. Rather, she performs the greatest act of faith in the words of Jesus in any recorded Gospel account!
What a waste of Jesus’ life! Matthew 20:28: The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
What a waste of your body! 1 Corinthians 6:20: You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
What a waste of your money! Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
What a waste of your brain! 1 Corinthians 1:23-24: But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Faith follows Jesus even when it appears on the surface to be wasteful, wishful thinking.
In Christ, I am ready because I’ve been made ready (through faith).
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