How can Mary's example inspire us to serve others in our community? Mary: A Woman Known for Serving Jesus John 11:2—“This Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was the same one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped His feet with her hair.” Key Observations from John 11:2 • Scripture identifies Mary first by what she did for Jesus. • Her act of anointing was literal, tangible, costly, and personal. • God records her service as part of the inspired narrative, confirming its truth and lasting value. What Mary’s Example Teaches About Serving Others 1. Giving Our Best • John 12:3 shows Mary pouring “a pound of very expensive perfume” on Jesus’ feet—her finest possession. • Serving our community begins when we give our best time, talents, and resources, not leftovers. 2. Loving in Deeds, Not Words Alone • 1 John 3:18: “let us love not with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” • Mary’s love was demonstrated in a concrete act; we follow suit by meeting real needs around us. 3. Courageous Obedience • Anointing Jesus in a room full of men (John 12:4–5) risked criticism, yet she pressed on. • Galatians 1:10 reminds us to seek God’s approval above people’s. Serving others may invite misunderstanding, but faithfulness matters most. 4. Seizing the Moment • Jesus said of Mary, “She has done this in preparation for My burial.” (John 12:7) • Ephesians 5:16 urges us to “make the most of every opportunity.” Timely acts—visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, encouraging the lonely—impact lives today. 5. Worship Fuels Service • Luke 10:39 pictures Mary “sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to His word.” • Time in Scripture and prayer keeps our motivation pure, ensuring service flows from devotion, not duty. Practical Ways to Follow Mary’s Pattern in Our Community • Identify one costly, sacrificial gift—time, skill, or resource—you can pour out this week for someone in need. • Volunteer where criticism or discomfort may arise, trusting God for courage. • Look for urgent opportunities (hospital visits, crisis support) and act promptly. • Anchor every act of service in daily worship: read a Gospel passage, then ask, “How can I live this out today?” Promise for Those Who Serve Matthew 26:13—“Wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” God sees and remembers every act of sincere service; no deed done for His glory is ever wasted. |
    |