THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY

THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 26:6-13

Key Verse: “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.” (Matthew 26:13 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8; Psalm 133:2; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Hebrews 6:10; Romans 12:1

Description: The anointing at Bethany teaches the value of wholehearted devotion, sacrificial worship, and giving our very best to Jesus.

INTRODUCTION
As Jesus approached the final days before His crucifixion, He visited Bethany, where a remarkable act of devotion took place. While He was in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster box of very precious ointment and poured it upon His head. This act of worship appeared extravagant and wasteful to some of the disciples, who criticized her for not selling the ointment and giving the money to the poor. However, Jesus defended her and declared that she had performed a good work upon Him.

The anointing at Bethany reveals the heart of true worship. The woman was willing to offer something costly because of her love and appreciation for Jesus. She was not concerned about public opinion, criticism, or personal loss. Her focus was entirely upon honouring Christ. This teaches believers that genuine worship often involves sacrifice and a willingness to give God our very best.

This event also carries prophetic significance. Jesus explained that the woman had anointed His body in preparation for His burial. While others failed to fully understand the significance of the moment, her act became an eternal testimony of devotion. Today, believers can learn valuable lessons about worship, sacrifice, gratitude, and spiritual sensitivity from this extraordinary encounter.

1. TRUE WORSHIP IS EXPRESSED THROUGH SACRIFICIAL GIVING
The woman's offering was valuable and costly, demonstrating the depth of her devotion.

a) Genuine Love Gives Freely (Matthew 26:7)
Those who truly love Christ do not withhold their best from Him.

b) Worship Involves Sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
True worship requires offering ourselves and our resources to God.

c) God Deserves Our Best (Malachi 1:8)
The Lord is worthy of our finest gifts, efforts, and devotion.

d) Sacrificial Worship Attracts Divine Approval (Matthew 26:10)
Jesus publicly commended the woman for her act of worship.

Biblical Example: King David refused to offer to God that which cost him nothing, demonstrating the principle of sacrificial worship (2 Samuel 24:24).

2. DEVOTION TO CHRIST MAY ATTRACT CRITICISM
Not everyone understands or appreciates wholehearted devotion to God.

a) The Disciples Criticized Her Action (Matthew 26:8)
Even sincere acts of worship may be misunderstood by others.

b) Human Reasoning Often Opposes Spiritual Insight (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God's perspective is often different from human calculations.

c) Devotion Requires Courage (Galatians 1:10)
Believers must remain faithful even when criticized.

d) Christ Defends Those Who Honour Him (Matthew 26:10)
The Lord stands in support of those who sincerely worship Him.

Biblical Example: Hannah was misunderstood by Eli when she prayed fervently before the Lord, yet God vindicated her devotion (1 Samuel 1:12-18).

3. SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY RECOGNIZES DIVINE MOMENTS
The woman discerned the significance of the moment and responded appropriately.

a) She Recognized Jesus' Worth (Matthew 26:7)
Her actions reflected a deep understanding of Christ's value.

b) She Acted Without Delay (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Opportunities to honour God should not be postponed.

c) Divine Opportunities Are Time-Sensitive (John 12:8)
Certain opportunities may not come again.

d) Sensitivity Leads to Meaningful Service (Romans 8:14)
Those led by God's Spirit recognize and respond to divine promptings.

Biblical Example: Esther recognized her moment of opportunity and courageously acted to save her people (Esther 4:14-16).

4. JESUS DESERVES OUR COMPLETE DEVOTION
The woman focused entirely on Christ rather than on herself.

a) Christ Must Be Our Highest Priority (Matthew 22:37)
Loving God wholeheartedly should be the believer's foremost commitment.

b) Nothing Should Rival Our Love for Christ (Philippians 3:8)
Everything else should be secondary to our relationship with Him.

c) Devotion Is Measured by Commitment (Luke 9:23)
Following Christ requires daily surrender and dedication.

d) Love for Christ Produces Obedience (John 14:15)
Genuine devotion is reflected in faithful obedience.

Biblical Example: Mary of Bethany consistently chose fellowship with Jesus above other concerns, demonstrating wholehearted devotion (Luke 10:39-42).

5. GOD REMEMBERS ACTS OF SINCERE WORSHIP
Jesus declared that the woman's act would never be forgotten.

a) God Notices Every Sacrifice (Hebrews 6:10)
The Lord sees and remembers every act done for His glory.

b) Faithful Service Has Eternal Value (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Nothing done for God is ever wasted.

c) Worship Leaves a Lasting Impact (Matthew 26:13)
Sincere devotion can influence generations to come.

d) Heaven Records Acts of Faithfulness (Malachi 3:16)
God keeps account of those who honour Him.

Biblical Example: Cornelius' prayers and charitable deeds came up as a memorial before God (Acts 10:1-4).

6. TRUE WORSHIP PREPARES US FOR GOD'S PURPOSES
The woman's act aligned with God's redemptive plan.

a) Worship Deepens Spiritual Understanding (Psalm 25:14)
Those who draw near to God gain greater insight into His purposes.

b) Worship Positions Believers for Service (Isaiah 6:8)
A heart devoted to God becomes available for His use.

c) Worship Strengthens Faith During Difficult Seasons (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
Those who worship God remain steadfast during trials.

d) Worship Brings Us Closer to God's Heart (James 4:8)
Intimacy with God is cultivated through sincere devotion.

Biblical Example: Isaiah's encounter with God in worship prepared him to answer God's call and fulfil his prophetic ministry (Isaiah 6:1-8).

CONCLUSION
The anointing at Bethany stands as a timeless example of sacrificial worship and wholehearted devotion to Christ. While others questioned the value of the woman's offering, Jesus recognized its significance and honoured her publicly. Her act reminds believers that true worship is not measured by public approval but by the sincerity of the heart and the depth of devotion to God.

As followers of Christ, we are called to give Him our very best: our love, time, talents, resources, and obedience. We must not allow criticism, fear, or worldly reasoning to hinder our devotion. Like the woman at Bethany, may we recognize the worth of Jesus, seize every opportunity to honour Him, and leave a legacy of faithful worship that brings glory to His name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a heart of wholehearted devotion to You in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to offer You my very best in Jesus name.

3. Father, make me a true worshipper who worships in spirit and truth in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from every distraction that competes with my love for You in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to remain faithful despite criticism or opposition in Jesus name.

6. Lord, grant me spiritual sensitivity to recognize divine opportunities in Jesus name.

7. Father, let my worship be acceptable and pleasing before You in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to live a life of sacrifice and obedience in Jesus name.

9. Father, remember my labour of love and service for Your kingdom in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my life become a testimony of devotion to Christ in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall develop a deeper love and devotion for Jesus Christ.

2. Your worship shall rise before God as a sweet-smelling savour.

3. You shall not be discouraged by criticism or opposition.

4. The Lord shall give you spiritual sensitivity and discernment.

5. You shall recognize and seize divine opportunities.

6. Your sacrifices for God's kingdom shall not be forgotten.

7. The Lord shall honour your faithfulness and devotion.

8. Your life shall become a testimony of sincere worship.

9. You shall continually grow in intimacy with God.

10. You shall leave a lasting legacy of faith, worship, and obedience, in Jesus' name. Amen.