Mark 14:1-9

Mark 14:1-9

1. Let us first observe how God can disappoint the designs of wicked men, and over-rule them to His own glory.
2. Let us observe how good works are sometimes undervalued and misunderstood.
3. Let us observe how highly our Lord Jesus Christ esteems any service done to Himself.

"They thought they were going to put an end forever to Christ's spiritual kingdom; and in reality they were helping to establish it. They thought to have made Him vile and contemptible by the crucifixion; and in reality they made Him glorious. They thought to have put Him to death privily and without observation; and instead, they were compelled to crucify Him publicly, and before the whole nation of the Jews. They thought to have silenced His disciples, and stopped their teaching--and instead, they supplied them with a text and a subject for evermore."

"If a man devotes his time, money, and affections to the pursuit of worldly things, they do not blame him. If he gives himself up to the service of money, pleasure, or politics, they find no fault. But if the same man devotes himself, and all he has, to Christ, they can scarcely find words to express their sense of his folly."

"A cold heart makes a slow hand. If a man once understands the sinfulness of sin, and the mercy of Christ in dying for him, he will never think anything too good or too costly to give to Christ."

Questions:

1. Does the sovereignty of God bring you comfort, knowing that all things work for the good of those who love Him? How would this truth comfort you in the midst of difficulties?

2. Have we seen others give in abundance? If so, what was our reaction? Utterly foolish or rightfully lavish? What does the speed of our hands to help and give for the good of God’s kingdom say about our hearts?

3. What is our primary motive for doing good? Would Christ say it was a beautiful thing done for Him or for self? Are we doing what we can for God and His kingdom?