A Memorial Day Moment
Mark 14:3-9

In 3 of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and John we find a special Memorial Day moment. It involves a lady by the name of Mary who came to pay a special tribute to the Lord. Her adoration touched Jesus.

I. The Meaning of Christian Service  -  What do we mean when we, as believers, talk about serving the Lord? We often think it means being a preacher, a Sunday School teacher, a Children’s worker, and so on; but does Christian service only consist of these? No! We are all saved to serve (Eph 2:10). So our definition of Christian service, against the background of this story, is that Christian service is doing things for Jesus.  Col 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus."

II. The Measure of Christian Service  -  How much are we to do for Him? All our Lord expects is that we do what lies in our power. This is the meaning of our Lord's word in verse 8, "She hath done what she could," no more, no less.  YOUR BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT IS. God does not want what you CANNOT DO but what you CAN DO.
         A. True Christian service - doing what you can do will involves a sacrifice.
         B. True Christian service - doing what you can do will bring criticism (4).

III. The Motive of Christian Service  -  What was Mary's motive? Why did she worship the Lord in this way and express her appreciation of Him in such loving service?  Did she do it to get prominence, to be seen of others, to gain the Lord's praise?
No, she did it simply out of love for Him.
         A. Her act was expressive.  Without hesitation she expressed her love.
         B. Her act was exclusive.  She was completely occupied with Jesus.
         C. Her act was extravagant. It was an extravagant act in the eyes of men.

IV. The Memorial of Christian Service  -  In verse 9 we are told a very wonderful thing. Our Lord declared that Mary's loving act would never be forgotten; it would abide.  This tells us that every little act done out of love for the Lord Jesus abides for ever.  "Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her," (Mk. 14:9).

In Yorkshire, England during the early 1800's two sons were born to a family named Taylor. The older one set out to make a name for himself by entering Parliament and gaining public prestige. The younger son chose to give his life to Christ. With commitment to Christ, Hudson Taylor turned his face toward China and obscurity. As a result, he is known and honored on every continent as a faithful missionary and the founder of the China Inland Mission. For the other son, however, there is no lasting monument. He became known as simply as the "brother of Hudson Taylor."

Mary was and is remembered for what she did for Christ! As I consider this text, I have to ask myself: How will I be remembered? We will either be remembered for the good we've done or the bad. Some will not be remembered at all because they did nothing at all!  "She hath done what she could." She could do no more than what she did