Mark 14:8 She has done what she could: she is come beforehand to anoint my body to the burying. I. That the Lord Jesus likes His people to be DOING CHRISTIANS. She "did something." She did "what she could." Hence the praises bestowed upon her. The great Head of the Church likes "doing" Christians. Christians who show their Christianity in their lives. True religion is not made up of general notions and abstract opinions — of certain views, and doctrines, feelings, and sentiments. Useful as these things are, they are not everything. The wheels of the machine must move. The clock must go as well as have a handsome case and face. It matters little what a man thinks, feels, and wishes in religion, if he never gets further than that. What does he do? How does he live? 1. "Doing" is the only satisfactory proof that a man is a living member of the Lord. 2. "Doing" is the only satisfactory proof that your Christianity is a real work of the spirit. Talking and profession are cheap and easy things. But "doing" requires trouble and self-denial. 3. "Doing" is the only evidence that will avail a man in the day of judgment. (Matthew 25:31, etc.) II. That ALL TRUE CHRISTIANS CAN DO SOMETHING, and that all should do what they can. Now I know well the devil labours to make true Christians do nothing. Doing Christians are the devil's greatest enemies. 1. Satan will tell some that they are too young to do anything. Believe him not: that is a lie. Yet a little while and the enemy will say, "you are too old, and it is too late." 2. Satan will tell others that they stand alone too much to do any good. Martin Luther, Mahomet, Napoleon — all are cases in point. They all rose from the ranks. They stood alone at first. They owed nothing to position or patronage. 3. Satan will tell others that they have no power to do anything. He will say, "you have no gifts, no talents, no influence." 4. But Satan will tell some that they have no opportunities for doing anything — no door open on any side. 5. Do you ask me what you can do? I reply, there is something for every true Christian in England to do. Have you not the power of doing good by your life? you may work wonders by steady consistency and patient continuance in well-doing. (Bishop J. C. Ryle.) Parallel Verses KJV: She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.WEB: She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying. |
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