Be Like the Jesus T-Shirt Guy: Extravagant Worship in a World Full of Critics

In one of his first full-time ministry roles, Pastor Jeff Lane met someone unforgettable—a man he affectionately called the “Jesus t-shirt guy.” His name was Clarence. He didn’t fit the mold. He didn’t wear khakis or blend into the quietly reverent tone of the traditional church. Instead, he wore bold shirts that proclaimed things like “He chose the nails” and occasionally shouted “Amen!” during the sermon. Clarence made some folks uncomfortable—but not because he was disruptive. Clarence was sincere. He loved Jesus, and he didn’t care who knew it.

Clarence's presence exposed something deeper: how easily our hearts resist authentic, passionate worship when it looks different from our expectations. His boldness didn’t come from a place of pride but from gratitude for what Jesus had done in his life.

John 11:45–56 paints a similar picture. Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead—a miracle so astounding that it should’ve resulted in universal celebration. But not everyone was thrilled. Instead of praise, some responded with fear, control, and ultimately, a plan to kill Jesus. It’s a scene where worship is either embraced or killed.

So here’s the central message from this passage and Pastor Jeff’s sermon:Jesus delights in extravagant worship.

1. Don’t Be a Worship Killer (vv. 1, 9–10)

Just days before Passover, Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave. People flocked to Bethany—not just to see Jesus, but to see the man who had once been dead. Lazarus, now alive, was a living testimony of Jesus’ divine power. But instead of rejoicing, the religious leaders felt threatened. Their response? “Let’s kill Lazarus too.”

It sounds absurd—trying to destroy the evidence of a miracle. But irrational decisions are what sin does best. Like the religious elite, we can become so tied to our comfort zones and status quo that we end up stifling the Spirit. These leaders weren’t protecting truth—they were protecting power. And in doing so, they became worship killers.

Worship killers don’t just attack worship—they attack the people who remind them of what they don't have.

2. Don’t Be a Worship Disrupter (vv. 4–8)

Then there’s Judas. When Mary poured an expensive bottle of perfume on Jesus’ feet—worth nearly a year’s wages—Judas was quick to criticize. “That could’ve been used for the poor!” he said. But John lets us in on the truth: Judas didn’t care about the poor. He wanted the money in the ministry’s purse—because he was stealing from it.

Judas wasn’t a worship killer, but he was a worship disrupter. He looked down on someone else’s offering and masked his criticism with spiritual language. Unfortunately, this attitude still exists in many hearts today.

We become worship disrupters when our preferences or pride drown out someone else’s devotion.

Sometimes it’s a complaint about the music being too modern—or too traditional. Sometimes it’s scoffing at someone who raises their hands, claps, or sings too loudly. But here’s the truth: worship isn’t about us. It’s not a performance for our taste. It’s a sacrifice for an audience of One.

3. Be an Extravagant Worshipper (vv. 1–3)

Mary’s act of worship was beautiful. She didn’t measure her offering or calculate social perception. She broke open what may have been her most prized possession and poured it out at Jesus’ feet.

• It was expensive—a full year’s wages.

• It was humble—she used her own hair to wipe His feet.

• It broke cultural norms—women didn’t loosen their hair in public.

She didn’t care who watched. She cared that Jesus was worthy.

Extravagant worship isn’t about extravagance—it’s about giving your best to the One who gave His all.

Mary’s act filled the room with fragrance. True worship has a way of doing that—it affects everyone nearby. You can’t help but notice it. And sometimes it challenges others. Just like Clarence. Just like Mary.

How Do You Worship?

When it comes to worship:

• Are you a killer, trying to shut it down?

• A disrupter, quick to critique?

• Or a worshipper, pouring it all out with abandon?

Jesus deserves more than polite applause. He deserves our soul, our life, our all.

What Can You Do This Week?

Pastor Jeff closed with this challenge: be a participant, not a spectator.

• Bring your Bible.

• Sing like it matters.

• Open your heart to the Word.

• Take notes.

• Show up ready to meet with God.

Maybe, just maybe, it’s time for you to be like the Jesus t-shirt guy. Not because of how you dress, but because of how deeply you love the Savior.

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)