2. At Bethany
At the home of Simon
Woman with expensive box of ointment
Some apostles were upset
− We could have sold that box
− 300 denarii = about 1 year salary
− That much money could help many poor
people with necessities of life
Jesus responded - - -
3. Mark 14:6-9
6 But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you
trouble her? She has done a good work for Me.
7 For you have the poor with you always, and
whenever you wish you may do them good; but
Me you do not have always. 8 She has done
what she could. She has come beforehand to
anoint My body for burial. 9 Assuredly, I say to
you, wherever this gospel is preached in the
whole world, what this woman has done will also
be told as a memorial to her."
4. Some Observations
There are others who “did what they
could.”
− Aaron – with his rod
− Widow's mite
− Shunanite woman – Elisha
− Paul – Romans 1:14-15 14 I am a debtor
both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to
wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is
in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to
you who are in Rome also.
5. Some Observations
Religion is DOING
James 1:26-27 26 If anyone among you
thinks he is religious, and does not bridle
his tongue but deceives his own heart, this
one's religion is useless. 27 Pure and
undefiled religion before God and the
Father is this: to visit orphans and widows
in their trouble, and to keep oneself
unspotted from the world.
6. Some Observations
Religion is DOING WHAT WE CAN
Giving –
2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there is first a
willing mind, it is accepted according to
what one has, and not according to what
he does not have.
7. Some Observations
Religion is DOING WHAT WE CAN
Talents – Matthew 25:14-15
14 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a
man traveling to a far country, who called
his own servants and delivered his goods
to them. 15 And to one he gave five
talents, to another two, and to another one,
to each according to his own ability; and
immediately he went on a journey.
8. Some Observations
Religion is DOING WHAT WE CAN
Responsibility
Opportunity
+ Ability
= Responsibility
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good to all, especially
to those who are of the household of faith.
9. Greatest Need in Church
IS NOT:
Eloquence
Education
Wealth
Power
10. Greatest Need in Church
IS IS:
Each one
Doing
What we can
Using our gifts (abilities)
11. We all have gifts
Many think “I don't have any talent.”
WRONG!
We have many special gifts to give:
− The Bible – God's Word
− Jesus – the savior
− Church – the body of Christ
− Salvation – God's plan to save us
− Eternal life – available to all
12. SO – What have you done?
With your Bible knowledge?
With your faith in God?
With your faith in Jesus?
With your fellowship in the church?
With the joy of your salvation?
To improve your skills, talents, abilities?