Touching God | Sermon on John 11 & 12 | Mary of Bethany and Costly Worship

What does it mean to truly worship Christ—not just with words, but with everything we have? In this Holy Week sermon, Touching God, Rev. Jim MacDonald reflects on the raw, intimate moment when Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus with costly perfume and wipes His feet with her hair (John 12:1–8). As Jesus walks toward the cross, Mary is the only one who sees Him clearly. She doesn’t try to stop what’s coming—she prepares Him for it. Her extravagant act of devotion breaks social rules and theological expectations. It’s not a performance. It’s a response—to grace, to resurrection, to love. This sermon draws us into that moment, and asks: • Do we stand at arm’s length from Jesus, like Judas? • Do we still hope for a Messiah on our terms? • Or, like Mary, will we weep at His feet, aware of the cost? 📖 Key Scriptures: • John 11:1–16 – Jesus begins the journey toward Lazarus • John 12:1–8 – Mary anoints Jesus at Bethany • Matthew 16:21–23 – Jesus foretells His death • Supporting: Luke 19, John 19, 2 Peter 1:3 📌 Themes Explored: • Holy Week reflection and costly discipleship • Grief, worship, and prophetic understanding • Mary of Bethany vs. Judas: two postures toward Christ • Jesus’ humility and kingship—smelling like royalty, walking toward death This message invites us to stop looking past the cross for what we want from Jesus—and begin to see what He gave for us. 🙌 You are not asked to perform. You are invited to respond. April 6, 2025 #TouchingGod #MaryofBethany #HolyWeekSermon #CostlyWorship