Series: Signs & Glory
Title: “Is Jesus Worth That Much to You?"
Subtitle: "Extravagant worship springs from seeing Jesus’ infinite worth."
Scripture: John 12:1–11 (with parallels in Matt. 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9)
Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
“But we have learned to avoid that sort of thing; we say that it just isn’t practical to be too bold in the proclamation of the gospel today. In other words, we have embraced expediency.
It has been said that the church in the United States of America has been placed on a reservation. We’re still allowed to exist; we’re still allowed to practice our faith; we’re still allowed to pray in our churches. But we are tacitly forbidden from moving off the reservation and into the public square to make public proclamations of faith.
For instance, if a Christian is asked to pray at a public event and then prays in Jesus’ name, he is almost certain to be excoriated for having the audacity to pray publicly in the name of Christ. We’re simply not allowed to do that today.”
“But I have noticed that it isn’t just secularists who howl when a Christian wanders off the reservation and proclaims the gospel in the public square. Other Christians also make a fuss. Why? Because when some Christians draw the ire of secular society, everyone who enjoys peace on the reservation becomes frightened that they will become targets of the enemy. Many who claim the name of Christ would rather live peacefully on the reservation than disturb the world with the good news.That’s exactly what happened in Jerusalem”
“ Those to whom God had entrusted the ministry of the truth of His Word compromised again and again so as not to upset the Romans and possibly endanger their positions of prestige. Thus, when Jesus attracted a following, the Jewish leaders said to themselves: “If we leave this man alone, He will stir up so much trouble that the Romans will take action. They’ll come after us because they’ll see that Jesus is a Jew, and we’ll be held responsible for not controlling one of our own. Then our place and our whole nation will be lost. So what are we going to do?” In short, the Jews wanted to prevent Jesus from causing a stir among the people lest they lose their positions of power”
John - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul
Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.
OUTLINE (with help from ChatGPT)
Purpose: To challenge believers to examine what Jesus is worth to them—and to act accordingly.
I. The Setting for Costly Worship (vv. 1–2)
• Context:
• Six days before Passover — Jesus’ final week before the cross.
• Dinner in Bethany, hosted in His honor.
• Lazarus, alive because of Jesus, is at the table.
• Application:
• Worship thrives in a context of gratitude (Lazarus alive) and fellowship (friends gathered).
• Do you make space in your life for intentional, focused worship of Jesus?
II. The Act of Costly Worship (v. 3)
• Mary’s Action:
• Amount: About 12 oz. of pure nard (worth a year’s wages).
• Method: She pours it on Jesus’ head and feet (harmonizing with Matt. 26 & Mark 14).
• Posture: Wiping His feet with her hair — humility, vulnerability, cultural scandal.
• Impact: The fragrance fills the whole house.
“This was an act of great devotion and humility. We have already seen that John the Baptist declared he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal strap (John 1:27). A rabbi’s disciple was essentially a servant to his teacher, but he was never required to attend to his master’s feet, for that was considered the lowest task of all. When John said he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal strap, he was saying he was lower than a disciple. Mary probably felt the same way, but she gladly cleansed Jesus’ feet” John - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul
• Application:
• Worship that costs nothing is worth nothing (2 Sam. 24:24).
• What’s your “jar of nard”—the thing of greatest value you would pour out for Him?
• True worship is public, humble, and leaves a lasting influence.
III. The Objection to Costly Worship (vv. 4–6)
• Judas’ Complaint:
• Claims the perfume should have been sold to help the poor.
• Real motive: greed and self-interest (he stole from the money bag).
• Principle:
• Hypocrisy often cloaks itself in noble language.
• There will always be critics when you worship extravagantly.
• Application:
• Don’t let the criticism of others rob you of devotion to Christ.
• Examine your own heart: am I defending a lesser priority over the worth of Jesus?
IV. The Commendation of Costly Worship (vv. 7–8)
• Jesus’ Defense:
• “Leave her alone… It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.”
• Mary’s act is prophetic—she is doing what others will miss after His death.
• “The poor you will always have…” — not dismissing the poor, but highlighting the uniqueness of this moment.
• Application:
• There are moments of obedience and devotion that cannot be delayed—do them now.
• Jesus treasures and defends the worship offered to Him.
V. The Aftermath of Costly Worship (vv. 9–11)
• Crowd Reaction:
• Many come to see both Jesus and Lazarus.
• Religious Leaders’ Reaction:
• They plot to kill Lazarus too, because his life is drawing people to Jesus.
• Application:
• Your devotion may attract some and provoke others.
• A transformed life is a powerful witness—but it may also invite opposition.
CONCLUSION
Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.
Call to Action:
1. Examine His worth to you — Do your actions match your beliefs about Jesus’ value?
2. Bring your “jar of nard” — What is the most valuable offering you can give Jesus today?
3. Act while you can — Mary seized her moment; so should you.
Closing Illustration:
The missionary widow selling her only cow to fund a church roof, or a believer giving up a career for the sake of ministry—and connect it to Mary’s act.
If Jesus is worth everything, then nothing is wasted when it’s given to Him.
INVITATION
What about you? What is your "jar of nard"?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
Passion Week Travel Timeline
Friday (before sunset)
Jesus travels from Ephraim (John 11:54) toward Bethany.
Arrives before Sabbath begins at sundown.
Likely stays with Lazarus’ family or nearby.
Saturday (Sabbath)
Daytime: Rest and worship (no long travel).
After sunset (end of Sabbath): A dinner is held in His honor (John 12:2).
Mary anoints Jesus (John 12:3, Matt. 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9).
Sunday (Palm Sunday)
The next morning, Jesus rides into Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry (John 12:12–15).
“But we have learned to avoid that sort of thing; we say that it just isn’t practical to be too bold in the proclamation of the gospel today. In other words, we have embraced expediency.It has been said that the church in the United States of America has been placed on a reservation. We’re still allowed to exist; we’re still allowed to practice our faith; we’re still allowed to pray in our churches. But we are tacitly forbidden from moving off the reservation and into the public square to make public proclamations of faith. For instance, if a Christian is asked to pray at a public event and then prays in Jesus’ name, he is almost certain to be excoriated for having the audacity to pray publicly in the name of Christ. We’re simply not allowed to do that today.”
“But I have noticed that it isn’t just secularists who howl when a Christian wanders off the reservation and proclaims the gospel in the public square. Other Christians also make a fuss. Why? Because when some Christians draw the ire of secular society, everyone who enjoys peace on the reservation becomes frightened that they will become targets of the enemy. Many who claim the name of Christ would rather live peacefully on the reservation than disturb the world with the good news.That’s exactly what happened in Jerusalem”
“ Those to whom God had entrusted the ministry of the truth of His Word compromised again and again so as not to upset the Romans and possibly endanger their positions of prestige. Thus, when Jesus attracted a following, the Jewish leaders said to themselves: “If we leave this man alone, He will stir up so much trouble that the Romans will take action. They’ll come after us because they’ll see that Jesus is a Jew, and we’ll be held responsible for not controlling one of our own. Then our place and our whole nation will be lost. So what are we going to do?” In short, the Jews wanted to prevent Jesus from causing a stir among the people lest they lose their positions of power”
Excerpt From John - An Expositional Commentary
R.C. Sproul, This material may be protected by copyright.
OUTLINE
See above
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce
John, RC Sproul
John, Köstenberger
The Gospel According to John, DA Carson
Let's Study John, Mark Johnston
The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)
The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion
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Google Gemini AI
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