We explore what it means to live in friendship with God through worship, discipleship, and lordship. Looking at Mary’s costly worship, Jesus’ call to die to ourselves, and the meaning of communion, we are reminded that following Jesus is not a solo journey but a life of love, surrender, and community.
God desires a real friendship with us. Through John 12 and John 15, we see that friendship with God involves worship, discipleship, lordship, community, and remembering Jesus through communion.
1. The Cost of Worship
Text: John 12:1–11
Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. Her worship was humble, costly, emotional, and unconcerned with what others thought.
Key point: True worship gives God our best, not what is leftover.
2. The Cost of Discipleship
Texts: John 12:20–36; John 15:13–16
Jesus teaches that a seed must fall to the ground and die in order to produce fruit. Discipleship means dying to ourselves, following Jesus daily, and living as friends who know the Father’s business.
Key point: Discipleship is not a solo journey; it is lived out in friendship with Jesus and in community with one another.
3. The Cost of Lordship
Text: John 12:12–19
The crowd welcomed Jesus with “Hosanna,” but later rejected him when he did not meet their expectations. Jesus’ lordship is not about control or force, but about walking with him in faithful friendship.
Key point: Accepting Jesus as Lord means remembering his sacrifice, submitting to his way, and living in grateful relationship with him.
4. Communion and Community
The sermon closes by reminding the church that gathering together is essential. Communion is the central act of remembering Jesus’ body and blood, proclaiming his death until he returns.
Key point: The church is God’s tool for encouragement, growth, protection, and visible love.