The Alabaster Jar Mark 1 1 11 Matthew

The Alabaster Jar Mark 1: 1 -11 Matthew 26: 1 -16 & John 12: 1 -11

Mark 14: 1 -2 • The Passover & the Feast of unleavened bread (background found in Ex 11) – The Jewish religious leaders are looking for a sly way to kill Jesus 2 days before this celebration – The feast is a remembrance of God’s saving grace – The leaders were acting in a way counter to their coming celebrations

• Easter is a time for us to remember God’s saving grace THE CHALLENGE • What is in our hearts as we approach Easter? THE COMFORT 1. The things people plan for evil, God can bring about good. 2. God can redeem us when we go a wrong way

Mark 14: 3 • The woman in this story understands Gods amazing love and grace • Other than Jesus, Simon the Leper is the only person named……. Why? – Simon is a social and spiritual outcast – Jesus is known to hang out with the outsiders – Jesus demonstrates love and acceptance

Question? • Who is the outsider in your midst? • Do you feel like the outsider? – If so, who can you reach out to? NOTE: Jesus came so that the outsider had a way to come in

The Woman • A woman comes in with an Alabaster Jar filled with Expensive perfume. – An extravagant gift that could be sold for more than a years wages • She broke the jar and poured the perfume over Jesus head (John 12: 3 –His feet) as an act of beautiful worship

Different Viewpoints Some present – had a social justice perspective The woman – An act of humble, sacrificial, loving worship Jesus – A beautiful offering. He speaks in her defence Others – possibly very uncomfortable

Mark 14: 10 -11 Judas’ response… • He went to the religious leaders and offered to betray Jesus in exchange for money Your response? • Who will you identify with? • What act of devotion will you give?

SUMMARY 1. Approaching Easter, ask God to help you search your heart 2. Remember God can bring good from bad so seek him 3. Have eyes that look for the outsider and a heart to love them 4. What response will you choose to Jesus?