Series: The Gospel of Mark
Sermon: Jesus The Messiah
Bible Passage: Mark 14:3-9
I. Two women are at the bookends of Mark 13–14:2—The widow (12:41-44) and the nameless women (14:3-9)
1. They both demonstrate their devotion through their giving
2. Jesus was amazed by some women: the Syro-Phoenician mother, widow, and nameless woman
II. Unusual behavior of the unnamed woman
1. She probably came “uninvited” (verse 3)
2. She dared to come into the company of men (verse 3) —wrong etiquette
3. She brought with her something she could have enjoyed for a long period of time (verse 4)
a. There are four adjectives: perfume, nard, pure, and expensive (verse 3)
b. It was estimated to cost 300 denarii, a person’s one year salary (verse 5)
4. She broke the jar—“she did all she had” (verse 8)
5. She, apparently, she wasted a lot of money (verse 4)
6. She never spoke a word when all these things were happening!
III. Reaction of the onlookers
1. Were indignant at the “unnamed” woman (verse 4)
2. Judged her action as waste (verse 4)
3. Rebuked her (verse 5) —but she was undeterred
IV. Jesus’ response (just opposite of what the onlookers did)
1. Approved her action (verses 6-9)
2. Rebuked the onlookers (verses 6-9)
3. Did not think that it was a waste (verse 6-9)
4. Though she is unnamed in the passage, Jesus decided to mention about her wherever the Gospel message was preached (verse 9)
5. Jesus did not care who it was and her background
V. Why did she dare to do what she did? There are some symbolisms
1. Secret anointing of the King (Did she acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah?)
2. Prepared Jesus for burial (passion week)
3. She probably was a grateful person who received God’s grace through Jesus
VI. What do we learn?
1. A person’s assessment of God is measured when they handle their valuables
2. Devotion to God is measured by one’s action, not merely by their words
3. True love and worship costs to the one who expresses it
4. God can choose to transform your small gestures to a historic proportion (cf. verse 9)
Take Away:
Express your extravagance for God through your action that matches His person
