Introduction

In today’s sermon, I want to consider yet another popular passage in the Bible. It is the story of Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman at Bethany. “She has done a beautiful thing to me…” is the key verse in this passage. What can we learn about doing beautiful things for God today? [A sermon preached by Pastor Palitha Jayasooriya from The Preaching Platform. Published with permission.]

Read Mark 14:3-9

1. It doesn’t count the Cost

A. She offered the most prized possession; she had saved for her wedding. An alabaster jar of very expensive perfume made of pure Nard.

B. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus’ head. Its value was equal to more than a year’s wages!

C. Go the extra mile to honor God’s name & to bless others. If you are doing it for a person, do it while he is alive, and not after he is dead and gone.

2. It is an act of Humility

A. In Jesus’ time, a woman with loose hair in public reflected a bad image. But she wasn’t bothered.

B. Only servants normally washed the feet of the guests, but once again, she was humble enough to do it.

C. The beauty of an act we do for God, is reflected in the fact of how we do it. We can do great things mumbling and complaining, but God will not call it beautiful.

3. It can be Criticized

A. She was criticized harshly. Matthew identifies them as the disciples while John specifically identifies Judas as the main culprit!

B. The money was more important to him than the Lord being honored! But his words could not stop her.

C. Likewise, when we do beautiful things for God, people will try to show that we have ulterior motives in what we do. Don’t permit their words to stop you.

4. It points to the Cross

A. According to Jesus’ words the perfume was poured on His body beforehand to prepare for His burial.

B. What she did, pointed people to Christ’s soon coming sacrifice. All she wanted was to bless the Lord.

C. Do something beautiful for God this week by pointing your neighbor, your friends, and colleagues to the cross.

5. It will be Remembered

A. Jesus said, her act will be retold in memory of her wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world. What a testimony to remember?

B. Today, she is remembered over and over again, even as this passage is being preached around the world.

C. She was remembered for anointing our Lord. How do you want people to remember you when you are gone?

Conclusion

In closing, allow me to challenge you to do at least one beautiful act for God or others every day because the Lord never forget all the beautiful things you do.

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