Have You Done What You Could?

by Roby Ellis

[Scripture Reading: John 12:1-3]

Introduction

A. When Jesus’ death drew near, there was little anyone could do, but the Gospel speaks of a certain woman who did what she could.

B. Have you done what you could?

I. The Scriptures offer examples of people who did what they could.

A. Rahab did what she could (Joshua 2, Hebrews 11:30).

B. Ruth did what she could (Ruth 2:23).

C. A certain poor widow did what she could (Luke 21:1-4).

D. Paul did what he could (Acts 28:30-31; Philippians 1:12-14).

II. The Scriptures also speak of some who didn’t do what they could.

A. Eli could not force his sons to do right, but he could have restrained them (1 Samuel 2:13-29).

B. Saul could have fought Goliath himself, but he let a young shepherd boy do it for him (1 Samuel 17:33-37).

C. When he sinned, David could have repented, but he tried to cover his sin to no avail (2 Samuel 11:5-17).

D. Zedekiah couldn’t stop the Babylonian invasion, but he could have saved Jerusalem from destruction, not to mention himself and his family (Jeremiah 38:14-23; 2 Kings 25:4-7).

Conclusion

A. As you survey your life to this present day, can you honestly say that you have done what you could?

B. If you have sins in your life, you cannot do anything about them on your own, but you can come to Jesus who is able to wash them away (Acts 22:16) with His blood (Revelation 1:5).

C. We serve a Master who is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20), and we can do all things through Him when He gives us the strength (Philippians 4:13).