Sunday, June 6 | Pastor Jason Browning
John 12:1-8
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5“Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
Martha
She used her ability to create an environment where Jesus could be honored and celebrated.
If serving isn’t part of your schedule then
Martha served. Lazarus sat.
John 12:2…while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.
When we sit with Jesus, we hear His
Martha served, Lazarus sat… Judas slandered.
John 12:4-6 4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5“Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
Judas had a heart issue.
John 12:7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied.
Mark 14:6 She has done a beautiful thing to me.
What Judas said was a waste, what Jesus said was
John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Martha served, Lazarus sat, Judas slandered but Mary surrendered.
What would make a woman use $26,000 perfume at a celebration dinner?
Why would she show such extreme generosity?
John 12:2 …while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.
Martha served, Lazarus sat, Judas slandered, Mary surrendered.
John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.