May 17, 2026

Defining Actions #

Mark 14:1-9

Introduction

Last week we looked at the Olivet Discourse. Jesus had just gone through the end times with the disciples on the mount of Olives. We literally could spend weeks on that chapter, but let’s move on through the Gospel of Mark as we continue. We are drawing to the close of the Gospel of Mark. Mark 14 is the longest chapter, and is the beginning of the end, Jesus death, burial and resurrection.

As we think about this chapter, we can see some serious actions that really define the character of the people recorded in this passage.

Your talk talks, and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.

I. The Ambition (1-2) #

A. Corruption “chief priests and the scribes” #

i. Religious systems #

• This started as something God had founded.

• Corruption seeps in – most things, have to guard against corruption, and destruction.

  • House, car, churches,

ii. Jesus, desires a relationship #

• • Jesus desires a relationship with him, not religious emptiness.

B. Craft “take him by craft” #

• Craft – cunning, art or skill, in a bad sense, guile, dexterity employed to effect purposes by deceit

i. Satan is the father of deception #

John 8:44 — Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

• • These religious rulers, had become deceptive in practice, and were practicing the very works of the devil!
  • It is a sad day when religious institutions become so corrupt, they hide, deceive and lie.

C. Conspiracy “put him to death” #

• These religious leaders wanted to retain control, and not allow Jesus to have control.

i. Their only option, was literally to have Jesus put to death! #

• • Recognize we are in a spiritual battle, and there are those who desire to see Christ removed from history.
  • There are those who desire to see Christians silenced, persecuted, and erraticated.

Ephesians 6:10 — Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

II. The Anointing (3-9) #

A. Connection to Jesus (3) #

i. Simon the leper #

• Possibly Had been healed by Jesus
• Family (husband or father, but related)

ii. Mary & Martha, often hosted Jesus #

iii. Lazarus – their brother, raised from the dead #

iv. This house LOVED JESUS! #

B. Cost “alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious” (3) #

i. This box of ointment, would cost a years wages #

ii. She invested in Jesus! #

• How much do we invest in the Lord… Time, devotion, finances, talent

C. Cherishing – “poured it on his head” (3) #

i. Mary (Mark omits her name) is known for being devoted to Christ #

• • She sat at the feet of Jesus, while Martha served.
  • She is seen here, taking a very expensive ointment, and anointing Jesus

ii. Christ = Messiah – the anointed one. #

• This was a complete show and display of her belief that Jesus was the Messiah!

D. Critics – “Why was this waste of the ointment made?” (4-5) #

i. There are those who criticize your devotion to God! #

• The time you invest, the energy, the finances,
• If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!

E. Complainers “they murmured against her” #

F. Commendation (6-9) #

i. Her defense “Let her alone”, “she hath wrought a good work” #

• “Well done thou good and faithful servant”
• Every son desires to make his father proud… God is proud of us, when we worship and recognize Jesus for who he is!

ii. “a memorial of her” – she is remembered in God’s everlasting record book! #

III. The Abandonment (10-11) #

A. Character “Judas Iscariot” #

• Some names are just ruined, Judas, Jezebel (both names usages went up in the 2000’s)

  • As we have abandoned God, and our culture has shifted, people are ignorant of Bible

• They stand as wicked, evil, connivery,

Proverbs 22:1 — A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

i. Make a good name for yourself! #

B. Crookedness “to betray him” #

i. The betrayal wasn’t in the garden, it was in the conspiracy with the chief priests #

• Judas heart betrayed Jesus, long before his feet did!

Proverbs 4:23 — Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

• Judas never let go of worldly things

John 12:6 — This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

ii. Judas was in love with the things of this world! #

1 John 2:15 — Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

C. Convenience “how he might conveniently betray him” #

• *Christianity isn’t about convenience, but rather about commitment to Christ. *