Palm Sunday at Eastbrook Church 2022, the conclusion of our “Scandalous Jesus” Lenten Sermon Series. (Matthew 26:1-16)
Sermon Outline
‘When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:12-13)
The Chief Priest and Elders of the people plotted to kill Jesus instead of lavishing their love on Him (26:3-5)
- They schemed to kill Jesus instead of loving Him (26:3).
- They plotted to kill in secret instead of loving Him (26:4).
- They feared the people instead of fearing God. (They loved appearances, and praise of the people, instead of the praise from God 26:5.)
- They willingly and knowing plotted to kill Jesus in secret breaking the command of God: “You shall not kill” (Matthew 26:5; Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 27:24-25).
Judas loved money instead of loving Jesus
- Plotted with the Chief Priests to kill an innocent person with bribery (26:14-16).
- Judas loved money more than loving Jesus (26:14-16).
- Judas and the other disciples have forgotten the greatest commandment: “Love God” (Matthew 26:7-9, 22:26-40).
A woman (likely Mary, sister of Lazarus) lavished her love on Jesus (26:6-11)
- She loved by pouring expensive perfume on Jesus.
- She lavished her love on Jesus publicly.
- She loved Jesus by listening and believing in Him.
- Jesus honored and blessed her in return. You cannot out-give Jesus.
Why lavish our love on Jesus?
- Because He first lavished His love on us (1 john 4:19, 4:9-10).
- Because it is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36-38).
- Because Jesus is worthy of our love and worship (Revelation 5: 11-14).
What can we do to lavish our love on Jesus?
- Worship Him
- Obey Him
- Love people
- Give
Lavish your love on Jesus publicly. At church, at work, on social media. Love Jesus instead of money, power or status.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever lavished your affection on someone before, what did you do?
- Has some lavished their love on you before? What did they do or give you?
- We continue our series “Scandalous Jesus” by studying what it means to lavish our love on Jesus just like the woman in our text today, instead of other things like money, power like the Judas and the Religious leaders in Matthew 26:1-16. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read that passage aloud.
- Read Matthew 26:3-5. The Chief Priests and Elders plotted and schemed against Jesus. Why exactly did they conspire to do? Why did they want to wait until after the Passover? Did they succeed in waiting until after the Passover? What does this say about our plans and God’s plan?
- Which of the 10 Commandments were the Jewish leader willing to break to get Jesus? Exodus 20:13?
- What did this woman do for Jesus in verse 6? What makes this event somewhat scandalous?
- Judas and the disciples were critical of the woman’s lavish display of love and affection toward Jesus. Why was Judas critical? Read John 12:4-6.
- The love of money is dangerous. Why is it dangerous? Read 1 Timothy 6:9-10
- Instead of the love of money and wanting to be rich, what should we pursue? 1 John 6:12
- Judas asked for a bribe to hand over Jesus to the High Priest and Elders. What does the Bible say about asking for and giving bribes? Read Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 10:17, Proverbs 15:27
- We see different sets of people and what they love. The Priests love power, influence and control. The woman who anointed Jesus loved him and lavished her love on him. While Judas loved money and betrayed Jesus in the process. What do you love? Do you lavish your love on Jesus? Why not?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you about through this study? If you are on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 26:11-12.
- Take some time to pray through Matthew 26:1-16, letting God reveal any areas where you have gotten off-track in your life with God. Confess and repent of those wrong ways in prayer. What will you do to lavish your love on Jesus today? Take a stand and act.