Mike Schmid - March 9, 2022
Generosity and Grace - Mary
Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, was a witness to Christ as recorded in John’s Gospel. As Jesus and many others are gathered for dinner, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with an ointment that was worth a year’s wages. What a generous act! Mary’s generosity is contrasted with Judas’ greed. Judas criticizes Mary’s generosity toward Jesus, saying that the ointment could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. But John notes something important: Judas did not say this because He cared about the poor. Judas kept the moneybag for the disciples and had been continually stealing from it. While Mary is generous toward Jesus, Judas seeks his own advantage. We remember Mary’s generosity and love, which point us to Jesus.
From Series: "Witnesses to Christ"
John tells us why he wrote his Gospel: “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30–31). When we believe that Jesus is the Christ, God gives us life—abundant life, forgiven life, and eternal life. This Lent in our Midweek Worship series we will hear the witness of those in John’s Gospel who journeyed to the cross. Please join us for worship as we hear the witness of these people in John’s Gospel: