Bailey Methodist Church
4/6/2025

      • Genesis 12:3ESV

      • Isaiah 56:8ESV

      • John 1:29ESV

      • John 3:16–17ESV

      • John 5:24ESV

      • John 8:12ESV

      • John 11:25ESV

      • John 12:32ESV

      • Romans 8:11ESV

      • 2 Corinthians 5:14–15ESV

      • 1 Timothy 2:3–6ESV

      • Hebrews 2:9ESV

      • Hebrews 10:12ESV

      • 2 Peter 3:9ESV

      • 1 John 1:9ESV

      • 1 John 2:2ESV

  • In Christ Alone/Cornerstone
  • O Come To The Altar
  • Alleluia
  • Redeemed
  • Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow!
  • John 12:1–8 ESV
    1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
    Today, we turn our attention to a beautiful moment in Scripture found in John 12:1-8. It's a story that takes place just six days before the Passover, before Jesus would go to the cross. And in this intimate scene, we witness an act of extravagant devotion by Mary of Bethany. The title of today's message is "Dedicated to Christ."
    What does it mean to be truly dedicated to Jesus? Not just in word, not just in our Sunday routines, but in our hearts, our actions, and our worship? Mary shows us a picture of what it looks like to pour out everything for the sake of Christ.
    Let’s walk through this passage and draw out three truths about what it means to be dedicated to Christ.

    1. Extravagant Love Requires Sacrifice (vs. 1-3)

    Romans 12:1 ESV
    1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
    John 12:3 says, “Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
    This perfume was no ordinary gift. Nard was imported from the Himalayas—it was rare, precious, and incredibly expensive. Worth nearly a year’s wages, this perfume represented a treasure, perhaps Mary’s life savings or her family’s wealth.
    But Mary didn't hold back. She broke open the flask and poured it all out on Jesus—not sparingly, not carefully—but completely. It wasn’t practical. It wasn’t calculated. It was extravagant.
    This is what true dedication looks like. Love that doesn't ask, "What do I have to give?" but instead, "What can I possibly give that reflects His worth?"
    Application: What does your devotion to Christ cost you? Time? Comfort? Pride? When we love Jesus deeply, we’re willing to give sacrificially.

    2. Devotion Will Often Be Misunderstood (vs. 4-6)

    Philippians 3:14 ESV
    14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
    Next, we read in verses 4 to 6: "But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 'Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?' This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief."
    Judas tries to cloak his criticism in compassion. On the surface, it sounds like he’s concerned about generosity and justice. But the truth is, his heart was corrupted. He didn’t understand the value of what Mary had done.
    Here’s the reality: when you dedicate your life to Christ in a radical way, people won’t always get it. Some will question your motives. Others will think you’re being too extreme. Even some fellow believers might misunderstand you.
    But Mary wasn't living for their approval—she was living for Jesus.
    Application: Have you ever held back from giving or serving out of fear of what others might say? Don’t let the opinions of others deter your devotion. Jesus sees your heart, and He is the only one you need to please.

    3. Jesus Values a Heart Fully Given (vs. 7-8)

    Psalm 51:17 ESV
    17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
    Jesus responds in verses 7 and 8: "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always."
    Mary understood something that others missed. Jesus was headed to the cross. He had been speaking of His death, but most hadn’t grasped it. Mary’s act wasn’t just emotional—it was spiritual. It was preparation.
    And Jesus honors it. He doesn’t just accept her gift—He defends it. He sees the heart behind the action.
    When we give ourselves to Christ—our time, our worship, our gifts—He receives it with joy. He doesn’t need our riches; He desires our hearts. What Mary did was prophetic, intentional, and deeply personal.
    Application: What is Jesus calling you to give Him today—not just externally, but internally? Is it your trust? Your future? Your full attention?
    Conclusion: Mary’s act of love was sacrificial, misunderstood, and deeply valued by Jesus. And in it, she leaves us a model for what it means to be truly dedicated to Christ.
    So, church—how will you respond? What will you pour out at the feet of Jesus?
    He gave everything for us. Let us be people who hold nothing back for Him.
    Challenge: This week, ask yourself: What does it mean for me to live a life truly dedicated to Christ?
    Let’s pray.
    Amen.

      • John 12:1–8ESV

      • Romans 12:1ESV

      • Philippians 3:14ESV

      • Psalm 51:17ESV

  • More Love To Thee
Bailey Methodist Church
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