Faith In Jesus Leads To Worship Of Jesus
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us about true faith and worship. Help us to examine where we've placed our faith and whether it leads us to worship You. Guide our conversation, challenge us where we need to be challenged, and draw us closer to Jesus. May this time together bear fruit in our lives as we seek to honor You. In Jesus' name, amen.
Summary
In this sermon, Pastor Jason explores Mark 14:1-11, focusing on three examples of faith and their reactions to Jesus. The text presents a 'Markan sandwich' structure with two misguided faiths (the religious leaders' faith in self and Judas' faith in money) surrounding the central example of true faith (Mary's sacrificial worship of Jesus). The sermon emphasizes that while everyone places faith in something, only faith in Jesus leads to genuine worship and lasting significance.
Key Verses
Mark 14:3
Mark 14:6-9
Philippians 3:7-11
1 Timothy 6:10
Key Takeaways
Faith in Jesus leads to worship of Jesus, while misguided faith in self or money leads to rejection of Jesus or using Him for personal gain.
Jesus is our Passover lamb - the once-for-all perfect sacrifice whose blood causes God's judgment to 'pass over' us.
True worship of Jesus is sacrificial and may not be understood or appreciated by others, even fellow believers.
Jesus sees our acts of worship and calls them 'beautiful' even when others criticize them.
What we do for Jesus will last eternally, while everything else in this world will pass away.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for being our perfect Passover lamb, for shedding Your blood so that we might be saved. Forgive us for the times we've placed our faith in ourselves, in money, or in other things that cannot satisfy. Help us to be like Mary, who gave her most precious possession as an act of worship to You. May our faith in You lead to wholehearted, sacrificial worship that honors You. Give us courage when others don't understand our devotion, and remind us that You see our worship and call it beautiful. Thank You that what we do for You will last eternally. May our lives be poured out as an offering of love to the One who gave everything for us. In Your precious name we pray, amen.