John 12:1-11 "Honor and Dishonor"

Honor and Dishonor: Responses to the King

• Sermon Outline: Honor to the Man of God • Honor to the King •  Dishonor to the King • Honor Reconsidered • Dishonor to the Man of God
   
• Scripture List: Colossians 1:15-20 (Call to Worship) • Psalm 45:1-9 (Scripture Reading) • John 12:1-11 (Sermon Passage) • Matthew 26:13 • Revelation 5:11-14 • John 10:17 • Philippians 2:5-11 • Mark 10:42-45 • John 15:18-21
   
• Worship Song List: Turn Your Eyes • The Power of the Cross • Worthy of Worship • Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery • Jesus Paid It All

Worship or Rejection? Responses to Christ

John 12:1-11 presents a striking contrast of devotion and betrayal. Mary anoints Jesus, honoring Him as King and Savior. In contrast, Judas scorns her act, revealing his greed. The chief priests take their disdain further, plotting against Christ and Lazarus.

What Does True Honor Look Like?

Mary’s act of extravagant worship reflects a heart fully devoted to Jesus. Meanwhile, Judas and the religious leaders dishonor Christ, exposing their rejection of Him. Today, we must ask: Do we give Jesus the honor He deserves, or do we withhold our devotion?

Key Verses:

1. John 12:3 – Mary’s costly devotion
    
2. John 12:6 – Judas’ deceitful heart
    
3. Philippians 2:5-11 – Christ’s ultimate exaltation
    
4. Revelation 5:11-14 – Worship in heaven

Key Words and Definitions

1. Honor – To revere, value, and exalt someone rightfully
    
2. Dishonor – To reject, scorn, or withhold due reverence
    
3. Devotion – A heartfelt commitment to love and serve Christ
    
4. Betrayal – A turning away from faithfulness, as seen in Judas
    
5. Worship – The act of glorifying God in spirit and truth

Key People

1. Mary of Bethany – Demonstrates true worship and honor for Jesus
    
2. Judas Iscariot – Shows selfishness and ultimately betrays Christ
    
3. The Chief Priests – Plot against Jesus and Lazarus out of hatred

Bridging Honor and Rejection

The contrast between Mary’s devotion and Judas’ betrayal reflects the broader reality of how people respond to Christ. Worship and rejection stand in stark opposition—one leads to eternal life, the other to destruction. The call is clear: Honor the King, for He is worthy.

Message to the Original Audience

1. Jesus’ worth surpasses all earthly treasures.
    
2. True worship is costly and sacrificial.
    
3. Rejection of Christ leads to destruction.
    
4. God exalts those who humbly serve Him.

Applications for Believers Today

1. Worship Jesus with your whole heart, holding nothing back.
    
2. Guard against a spirit of greed and selfishness like Judas.
    
3. Expect opposition from the world when you honor Christ.
    
4. Remember that Christ is worthy of all honor and devotion.
    
5. Proclaim Christ boldly, even in the face of rejection.

Conclusion: Honor the King or Reject Him?

How we respond to Jesus reveals our hearts. Will we honor Him like Mary, or reject Him like Judas and the religious leaders? Christ is worthy of all worship—may we give Him the devotion He deserves.