Welcome to Timeless Truth with Pastor Jim Thomas. In season 2, Pastor Jim is leading us in a study of Mark. Today’s passage is Mark 14:1-11
1. The Extravagance of Devotion
“Love never calculates; love never thinks how little it can decently give; love’s one desire is to give to the uttermost limits; and, when it has given all that it has to give, it still thinks the gift too little.”
William Barclay
A heart overflowing with devotion for the Lord is a heart that is not afraid to express itself extravagantly once in awhile.
2. The Evaluation of Devotion- v. 4-6
Mary is a story of devotion, Judas a story of disdain. Mary’s an illustration of gratitude, Judas, an illustration of greed. For Mary, devotion to Christ was an end in itself. She wanted to express her devotion to Christ, because He was her Lord, the Son of God, and He deserved that kind of devotion. For Judas, feigned devotion to Christ was simply a means to another end ie lining his own pockets.
Here, Mary kissed the feet of Jesus in worship and adoration. Soon, Judas would kiss the cheek of Jesus in betrayal. Gratitude seeks to express devotion, loyalty, and love. Greed asks “What’s in it for me?”
“Spirit-filled souls are ablaze for God. They love with a love that glows. They serve with a faith that kindles. They serve with a devotion that consumes. They hate sin with fierceness that burns. They rejoice with a joy that radiates. Love is perfected in the fire of God.”
Samuel Chadwick
3. The Endurance of Devotion- v. 9
Where is Mary every time we read about her? At the feet of Jesus. Why? Because her heart was full of love and devotion for her Lord.
How long has it been since you fell at His feet with such persistent and total abandon? How long has it been since you didn’t worry about what others might say as you expressed your devotion to the Living God? How long has it been since you did something extravagant to express your devotion to the Lord?
