(John 12:1-6) Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

(Mark 14:6-9) “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

BIG IDEA: The aim of life is not to live forever, but to make a difference with our lives that lives beyond us.

1. Legacy is developed through choices and attitudes.

Judas was a controller. Mary is caring.

Judas was complainer. Mary is a contributor.

Judas was a consumer. Mary creates a lasting legacy.

2. The most lasting, godly legacies are born from lavish sacrifice.

(Luke 6:38 NLT) “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine what you get back.”

Question: What steps will you take with your life and your resources to make your legacy outlast you?