Thoughts on John Chapter 12

Welcome to the events that surround the final week of Jesus’ earthly life: The characters that find their way into the record of Scripture are fascinating and valuable tutors in our advance as growing believers, sitting at the feet of our Savior where maturity and ministry are to be found.

 

A possible itinerary— given John’s lack of commitment to time

 

The lingering effects of Lazarus’ resurrection 

• A celebration of the life of Lazarus, but...
• A boldness to celebrate the resurrection of Lazarus’ resurrection in an openly hostile environment 

 

What made Mary Special? 

 

Her love for Jesus— was bound up in an understanding of  the reality and necessity of Christ’s death apart from all others who did not. ( Mark 10:33-34)

She found the answer at the feet of Jesus: Whether at supper or at this gathering. Those who know the most of Jesus spend the most time at his feet. In our day, the task for the believer is to spend as much time in his word and through contemplation as is possible. The Hebrew idiom— to sit at ones feet is to learn about the person.

 

Her love for Jesus was bound up in her extravagant love for Jesus: 

• Just to show him how much she loved him — how much she understood his sorrow, and wanted to identify with that. The tangible expression of that was this ointment:
• Quote from 
• A question of our love? Are we bountiful in our love for Christ? Christ understood and approved 

 

• The fragrance spread throughout the home as it was carried on Mary’s person as she assisted in the service of the celebration. 

 

Her love for Jesus was bound up in the lasting memorial it left behind: ( Mark. 14:9)

• The reaction from those in attendance: Mark’s gospel says that some present were indignant: (Mark 14:4), Matthew says it was the disciples who were indignant: ( Matt.26:8), and Judas, the spokesman for all of the disciples, said, that it was better served by cashing it in and giving it to the poor (John 12:5). 
• But Christ, accepted it 

• The importance of giving yourself away
• And not only her, but Martha as well, who possessed different gifts, yet a similar interest. 

 

Applications : Building the right spiritual muscle

1. Bulking up means sorting our the right facts — is there study in your life?
2. Bulking up means training with the right motivation— is there a discipline of worship in your life?
3. Bulking up means seeing the bigger picture— Why am I doing this, really? Self-gratification or giving myself away? 

 

MJC