THE GOSPELS RECORD A GREAT DEED OF LOVE, AND THE POISON OF RESENTMENT THAT LED TO A MOST HATEFUL DEED

1. Biblical chronologers argue -John vs Matt, Mark, Luke; or two separate anointings 4 days apart?
2. A.T. Robertson shows Jesus tired from the Temple Battles, after Olivet Discourse, arriving Bethany
3. Weary at a special supper- interrupted by a deed of tender and great love - But that deed-thou so precious- was resented; and in the murmuring the gates of Hell opened - & devoured one

I.- THE DEED OF GREAT LOVE

There is a time of weariness in every life that needs the tenderest love possible- watch for it!

A.- IT WAS IN THE HOUSE OF SIMON THE LEPER,- Matt 26:6 NATIVE OF BETHANY, AND INDEBTED TO JESUS

1. This is not the same incident of Luke 7:36, Simon is a common name but that was in Capernaum
2. John 12:4 tells us that Judas had a father named Simon- there is no reason to make these one
3. This Simon was a leper- Maybe healed by Jesus!

B.- IT WAS MARTHA THAT SERVED. John 12:2,3 BUT IT WAS MARY THAT DID THE DEED OF GREATEST LOVE

1. Luke 10:38 ff. shows the difference between the personalities of these two friends of Jesus
2. Lazarus was the special guest at this dinner- John 12:2- maybe to show him off to world-Alive
3. In the midst of the dinner Mary rushed in, anointed Jesus head, -Matt, and feet -John

C.- WHY THIS RICH, IMPULSIVE, SACRIFICIAL TOKEN OF GREAT AFFECTION BY THIS GRATEFUL WOMAN?

1. Jesus had been telling of His soon death, the Apostles were distracted- but she heard & understood
2. She brought the Treasure of her heart- it was very precious, it was an emotional thing to do
3. I have occasionally seen such great sacrifice (Widow's Mite, beautiful, but small) This a treasure.

All benefited from the fragrance, but not all were blessed by it.

II. THE DEED OF INFAMY

When I spoke years ago about great gifts of love, one person resented other's kindness to me.

A.- "WHY THIS GREAT WASTE?" MIGHT SOUND SO NOBLE, Matt 26:8 BUT IT WAS MURMURING OF THE WORST ORDER

1. The disciples had been arguing over positions in the Kingdom, and were in a gripey mood
2. While Jesus struggled with the Leaders in the Temple- they admired the "great buildings"
3. Now they began to trouble the woman who showed Jesus attention and love -resentful of her gift

B.- IT WAS JUDAH ISCARIOT WHO LED THE ATTACK ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL OF JOHN, AND HE WAS A LIAR

1. He pretended to be concerned about the poor- but his real motive was greed -he wanted more $$
2. His philosophy was Communistic- to force Her to do his deeds of charity, But she had greater love.
3. His motive is spelled out in the Bible- John 12:6 -a thief and a liar - don't make him a hero!

C.- SATAN ENTERED INTO HIS HEART AND LED HIM TO BETRAY JESUS Luke 22:3 - WHO OPENED THE DOOR? -

1. Judas was so embittered by this display of love- that he left and went by night to Jerusalem
2. He was angry over losing around $50.00 worth of perfume- he sold Jesus for around $20.00 worth of silver
3. Instead of enjoying the smell of the ointment- Judas sold our Lord for spite! Murmuring started

Real love rejoices in glory for Jesus, & any spiritual growth- but envy, jealousy, Hatefulness!

III.- WHICH DEED STANDS OUT MOST TO YOU ???

Two strong personalities show themselves here, which type do you have? Which type do you want?

A.- HUMAN NATURE CRIES OUT FOR VENGANCE, AND DEMANDS THAT WE REMEMBER THE DARK EVIL DEED!

1. The Name of Judas is known the world over, and when men say it- they spit it out like poison
2. The infamy of his betrayal, 30 pieces of silver, betrayal by a kiss- all are infamous!
3. It all started over jealous murmuring- & my heart breaks at such envious murmuring today

B.- BUT JESUS SAID THE WHOLE WORLD SHALL REMEMBER THIS WOMAN BECAUSE OF THE DEED OF THAT DAY

1. Matt 26:11-12 The poor you have with you alway- but this is for my burying, special purpose
2. Wherever the Gospel is preached- this special kindness should thrill human hearts- to copy exactly
3. We might forget a kindness done in the name of the Lord- but He won't!- Check motives

C.- HAVE YOU EVER DONE SOMETHING THAT WILL LAST FOREVER? WHAT ARE YOU REMEMBERED FOR?  GOOD?

1. Your action today will be recorded forever, and whether good or bad, God will remember!
2. The big difference is whether you love Jesus, or love things- We have many things today
3. Whether you are like the widow-(mite) or this woman-(wealthy) only what's done for Jesus lasts

The Roman Empire has perished, leaving a stink behind; but this ointment perfumes hearts today

WHAT YOU THINK OF JESUS WILL BE EXPRESSED BY THE VALUE YOU PLACE ON THINGS- OINTMENT AND SILVER!

1.We are at a spiritual feast, there are modern Lazarus' here- What can you offer for your love?
2. Do you Know the Lord?  Come, let Him heal you from your leprosy; & give new life!
3. If you appreciate what the Lord has done for you- what have you done for Him?-  Baptism?  Membership?