Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: John 12:1-11
Sermon Title: “Worship!”
Date: September 20,2026
John 12:1-11 (NIV)
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c] but you will not always have me.”
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c] but you will not always have me.”
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
First Thoughts
John 12 finds Jesus poised to enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and approach the cross.
Just outside Jerusalem, he stops in Bethany where he has many friends.
An Act of Worship!
At this dinner in honor of Jesus, Mary shows her love for Jesus.
She worships him by anointing him with expensive perfume.
This act is also a foreshadowing of the preparation for burial of Jesus.
Her sacrificial gift is a great act of worship.
Your giving is an act of worship too.
An Act of Selfishness
In verses 4 and 5, Judas appears as a counter to Mary’s act of generosity.
He represents those that would choose something else over the worship of Jesus.
His call for giving to the poor masks a twisted heart.
Gifts to Jesus are never wasted gifts.
Many of your friends will never understand your generosity as an act or pure worship.
Give to Further God’s Work
Mary gives as she is able, and she gives at the right time.
In Mark 14:6-9, Jesus explains that Mary’s gift will never be forgotten by this world.
It is in giving our best and our all that the Gospel is spread.
Conclusion
This wild dinner in John 12 showed a host of reactions to Jesus and his sacrifice.
How are you giving him all of you?
John 12 finds Jesus poised to enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and approach the cross.
Just outside Jerusalem, he stops in Bethany where he has many friends.
An Act of Worship!
At this dinner in honor of Jesus, Mary shows her love for Jesus.
She worships him by anointing him with expensive perfume.
This act is also a foreshadowing of the preparation for burial of Jesus.
Her sacrificial gift is a great act of worship.
Your giving is an act of worship too.
An Act of Selfishness
In verses 4 and 5, Judas appears as a counter to Mary’s act of generosity.
He represents those that would choose something else over the worship of Jesus.
His call for giving to the poor masks a twisted heart.
Gifts to Jesus are never wasted gifts.
Many of your friends will never understand your generosity as an act or pure worship.
Give to Further God’s Work
Mary gives as she is able, and she gives at the right time.
In Mark 14:6-9, Jesus explains that Mary’s gift will never be forgotten by this world.
It is in giving our best and our all that the Gospel is spread.
Conclusion
This wild dinner in John 12 showed a host of reactions to Jesus and his sacrifice.
How are you giving him all of you?