Imagine a church where every member is passionately,

whole-heartedly, and recklessly

calling the shots

I have a busy work-week and by the time Sunday rolls around

I’m tired. So, how about a church service

that starts when I get there?

Can do. When you arrive

we begin.

This guy (baby) plays by his own rules.

We want to find a church where if he starts screaming

we’re not the bad guys.

Say no more, if your baby is

screaming YOU stay seated. Others around you

can leave.

You know financially, My wife and I

don’t give a lot to the church but we sure like to know who does.

Alright, if you join now you’ll know what every

person gives… in detail.

When I’m in the church

service, can my car get a buff

and a wax?

Not just that, but an oil-change

and a tune-up.

Introduction

• This illustration is “over the top” with humor, but it deals with a serious message.

– Ever heard of ATMs, Restaurants, Drive-in communion?

– Even among “faithful” congregations of the Lord selfishness is seen by ‘church accommodations’.

– We need to come to realize…it is NOT about you or me, but about our heavenly Father.

Our Attitude Must Be of a Willing Heart

• Mary’s act toward Jesus was done out of love for Him. Jn. 12:1-67

– Jesus recently raised Lazarus from the dead. Jn. 11 (v. 28, 32-36)

– Mary was under no compulsion or obligation to anoint Jesus.

– If there was a sense of compulsion or obligation it was done out of thanksgiving and a willing heart.

Our Attitude Must Be of a Willing Heart

• Judas was not willing that Mary use the perfume oil to anoint Jesus.

– First, the perfume was not even Judas’.– His suggestion to sell the costly perfume

only deflected his true heart. cp. Jn. 12:5– He was not willing that Mary should use the

perfume to anoint the Lord.

Our Attitude Must Be of a Willing Heart

• Our attitude:– Do you willingly worship the Lord, having

great love for the One who loves us?– Do you have/find reasons not to worship the

Lord? • Many provide superficially righteous reasons for

their hearts/actions.• Consider your attitude.

Our Attitude Must be Pure

• Mary used pure (or genuine) oil in her act of love of Jesus. Jn. 12:3

– Without reading too much into the symbolism of the oil, it no doubt reflects the attitude Mary showed in her loving act toward Jesus.

– She wanted to give nothing but the best: and her willing attitude reflected purity.

Our Attitude Must be Pure

• Judas had an ulterior motive for his words.

– “Sell it for 300 denarii and give the money to the poor.” V. 5

– His heart betrayed his words, however, because he cared not for the poor, but thought only of himself. V. 6

Our Attitude Must be Pure

• Our attitude:– Some come with pure motives giving the

best of what they have in worshipping the Lord.

– Others come for selfish reasons, thinking only of themselves: a ‘what can I get out of this service.’

Our Attitude Is Reflected By How Much the Worship Costs Us

• It cost Mary much in the way of finances for this oil.

– Mary didn’t come to receive from the Lord, but to give to Him.

– What she gave was so exorbitant than many consider her action wasteful (foolish).

Our Attitude Is Reflected By How Much the Worship Costs Us

• It cost Judas nothing:– Yet he still considered not the loving offering

Mary gave to Jesus, but only considered himself.

– His attitude manifested his true heart: love of this world. cp. Matt. 26:14

Our Attitude Is Reflected By How Much the Worship Costs Us

• Our attitude:– Worshipping the Lord should cost us

something because we are offering something up before our Lord.

– For some, however, the offering is of little to no consequence and in fact only look for what can be received.

Conclusion

• There is a great contrast between Mary’s act of love for Jesus and Judas’ selfishness.

• Such examples embodies the contrasting attitudes that prevail among those who worship God today.