Today’s sermon was based on the text John 12:1-7, Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead,[a] whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii[b] and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.

7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept[c] this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

The Title is “The Dirty Work”

One job that hardly anyone joyfully and voluntarily does is “dirty work.” This is the kind of work which causes the person doing it, to get themselves dirty in the process. The work I speak of is whereby you have to exert some energy, sweat, occasionally blood, and often tears into it.
Here is this text Mary was doing this type of work or service for Jesus.
A brief synopsis of the sermon shows that God gave me 3 points to relay about those of us who are called to do the dirty work which no one else even dares to do.
1. The Dirty work cost. Mary used a pound of perfume that was easily over 300 sheckels to clean the feet of Jesus. On top of that though, Mary chose not to use a clothe or rag on Jesus’ feet. Instead, she used her hair. Still today, a woman’s hair is often her most treasured asset, and Mary is here using her precious ointment and her invaluable hair to wash Jesus’ feet. Why because “Dirty Work” costs. Today as a believer we must admit that Dirty work cost. For those of us who choose to volunteer our time to the work of the Kingdom of God, we all must confess it cost. Be it time with family, time with yourself, money out of your pocket, reputation, stress, etc it truly cost to do the “Dirty Work.”
2. People will talk about you. After Mary offered her service or “Dirty work” unto Jesus, Judas talked poorly about her. Saying how she could have sold the ointment and given the money to the poor. Nevermind, the fact that Judas was not at all interested in the poor, but here we have a leader speaking ill of the work of someone who is pouring their heart out to Jesus. How often today, when people are attempting to do some work or service for the Lord, and because it does not function like others would like, do the “leaders” complain about the person and their “dirty work.” One thing I have noticed in my short time on this earth, is that some people will always complain irregardless of what you do. So do not let the complaints of others keep you from doing the “dirty work” that nobody else wants to do. No body else was cleaning the feet of Jesus, and then when Mary began that is when people wanted to talk bad about her.
3. The Dirty Work is done out of gratitude. Mary is the same lady whom Jesus not too long ago, raised her brother Lazurus from the grave. Also, Mary was the one whom Jesus had forgiven of her many sins. Needless to say, Mary had plenty for which to be thankful. Therefore it should come as no surprise here that Mary is found wiping the feet of Jesus with her hair and ointment because of her gratitude to Jesus. Likewise we should do our service or ministry for God not out of legalistic obligation but our gratitude to a Gracious Savior. Who suffered and died for our sins, and rose on the third day. The gratitude we have for such an awesome act should empower us to do the “dirty work” which others find troublesome such as visiting the sick, prison, hospital, jail, homeless shelters, orphanages etc. to go and serve Jesus by seeing to the “least of these.” Today, we can bow at the feet of Jesus by kneeling to help the ailing hand of a senior citizen, or showing love to someone whom society only has shown their hatred. This “Dirty work” done in Jesus’s Name, Christ cleans and has made “Holy Work” for it perfects all who partakes in it. The thing about doing “Dirty Work” is that it can be a means of grace to help clean you up, and make you a better person and also can be used by God to assist the individual(s) you are aiding to see more clearly the love and providence of God in their life.
I pray we all can do some “dirty work” this week. God bless you is my prayer.

As always, if anyone who is reading this does not know the Jesus I speak of, it is never too late! Ask Him right now to come into your life, confess that you are a sinner, and need Jesus to be your Lord and Savior who died for your sins, but was raised from the dead, and now reigns with all the power with God the Father. Ask that He sends His Comforter, the Holy Spirit, God the Holy Spirt to lead and guide you each day of your life. If you made that plea Congratulations! You are now a member of the Household of faith. I beg you to join a great Christ-centered church. If you are in the Mobile area we at St. Paul would love to have you

Also, if you would like a copy of the full sermon on cd please go to my donations page and let me know with whatever love gift you can give.
Thanks for your time
Be Blessed
Robert R.A. Turner