Explores the lasting impact of our actions and the importance of leaving a legacy that glorifies God, using the story of the alabaster jar.
Good morning, family! It's a beautiful day to gather together, isn't it? We're here to share in the love and light of our Lord, and to learn from His word. So, let's get right to it!
Before we get started, I want to share a quote with you from Shannon L. Alder. She once said, "Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you." Isn't that just a refreshing thought? It's a reminder that even when we feel rushed or overwhelmed, God is patient, and He's working in His perfect timing.
Now, let's turn our attention to the scripture that we'll be focusing on today. It's from Matthew 26:6-13:
"While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. 'Why this waste?' they asked. 'This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.' Aware of this, Jesus said to them, 'Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.'"
When we think about the woman in this story, we can't help but marvel at her actions. She took something of great value, something that could have been used for many other purposes, and she used it to honor Jesus. She didn't do it for recognition or praise. In fact, she faced criticism and judgment from those around her. But she did it anyway, because she understood the significance of Jesus and His mission.
Left a lasting impact: We're still talking about her today, thousands of years later. She's remembered not for her wealth or her status, but for her act of love and devotion. Her actions left a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge us today.
Our own lives: What kind of legacy are we leaving behind? Are we using our resources, our time, and our talents to honor God? Are we willing to face criticism and judgment for the sake of following Jesus? These are challenging questions, but they're important ones to consider.
The woman's actions: She poured perfume on Jesus, an act that was seen as wasteful by the disciples. But Jesus saw it differently. He saw it as a beautiful act of devotion. This shows us that what the world values and what God values can be very different. The world may see our devotion to God as wasteful or foolish, but God sees it as beautiful and meaningful.
The importance of recognizing the significance of Jesus: She understood who Jesus was and what He was about to do. She recognized that He was more than just a teacher or a prophet. He was the Messiah, the Son of God, who was about to give His life for the sins of the world. This understanding led her to honor Jesus in a way that others didn't understand.
Her willingness to face criticism: When the disciples criticized her, she didn't defend herself or try to justify her actions. She simply continued to honor Jesus. This shows us that following Jesus isn't always easy or popular. It can lead to criticism and misunderstanding. But we're called to follow Him anyway, even when it's difficult.
The lasting impact of the woman's actions: Jesus said that wherever the gospel is preached, what she did will be told in memory of her. Her actions left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and challenge us today. It's a reminder that our actions can have a far-reaching impact, even beyond our lifetime.
As we continue to reflect on the passage from Matthew, we can't help but notice the woman's satisfaction in her act of devotion ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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