From Blessed to Beyond Blessed

Sermon opens up in John 12 with the beautiful illustration of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus with precious ointment. From here we want to answer two questions:

1. Why would Mary give such an extravagant gift?
2. Why would Judas have such a hard time with this showcase generosity?

Really there are two hearts on display. A heart of selfishness and a heart of generosity. As you take time to listen to this message, there are three key points in understanding generosity:

1. The Enemy of Generosity: It is quick to judge another person's affluence. We can get caught in determining what people are to do with their fortune - as seen in the perspective of Judas. The enemy is the fact when we are blessed, we withhold the opportunity to bless others.

2. The Extravagance of Generosity: Extravagant giving is not valued in the amount but rather in the heart of the giver. Technically, there is no amount of gifts that could impress God. He has cattle on a thousand hills. However, realistically, there is an account in scripture (Zephaniah 3:17) that shares where God rejoices over us. When we give ourself to God, He jumps up and down and twirls all around. So YES, there is a gift that impresses our God!

3. The Reward of Generosity: In Mark 14:9 the reward of anointing Jesus' feet was to be a memorial for all else to read and talk about. Now we do not seek reward when we give generously. In the Gospel of Mark, Mary just had her brother, months prior, raised from the dead. Mary didn't give to get, she gave because of the condition of her heart. Yet, God will still reward the generosity of us Christians!