Key Truth: Our worship and watchfulness reflects our trust of the sovereign faithfulness of God and our value of the person and work of Christ.

Introduction:

Q: What most influences or shapes your worship of God through Christ in the Spirit?

The Religious Leaders’ Hatred of Christ and the Sovereignty of God:

Mark 14:1-2

“The overruling providence of God completely defeated this politic design. The betrayal of our Lord took place at an earlier time than the chief priests had expected. The death of our Lord took place on the very day when Jerusalem was most full of people, and the Passover feast was at its height. In every way the counsel of these wicked men was turned to foolishness. They thought they were going to put an end for ever to Christ’s spiritual kingdom; and in reality they were helping to establish it.”

J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Vol. 1: Matthew—Mark

Q: How does the sovereignty of God affect how you view current events and the future?

The Woman Known Worldwide for Risky and Costly Worship:

Mark 14:3-9

“The woman’s extravagant devotion exhorts devotion and love for Christ. Her gesture displays the proper personal devotion of the disciple toward Jesus, and he comes to her defense. The text prompts us to ask: How much is too much devotion to Christ?”

David E. Garland, The NIV Application Commentary: Mark

Q: What does your worship say about your value of the person and work of Christ?

Judas Iscariot’s Pre-meditated and Willful Betrayal of Christ:

Mark 14:10-11

“The note that Judas was “one of the Twelve”…warns Mark’s readers that proximity to Jesus does not guarantee faithfulness. Indeed, greater intimacy with Jesus requires greater watchfulness….”

James R. Edwards, The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel According to Mark

Q: What are some ways in which you have struggled since becoming a Christian? What has helped you most to keep a close watch on your heart and to grow in faithfulness?

Mark 14:1-11 teaches us that:

-some hate Jesus seeking to destroy Him only to serve the sovereign purposes of God

-we reflect our value of the person and work of Christ in our worship

-we must keep a close watch on our hearts lest we too willfully betray Christ