
Gorifying God by Growing in Christ
Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound[a] of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii[b] and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it[c] for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
John 12:1-8
Building to Easter
Humility of Mary
2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV
15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,
Genesis 8:21 ESV
21 And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done.
“Through their faith, they spread this sweet scent to others
by sharing the gospel with those who need to be liberated
from the decaying stench of spiritual separation from God.”
Is your life moving in that direction?
Do the things of the world matter more than Glorifying Christ?
Progress not perfection
but do you see yourself moving in that way.
Antagonism of Judas
Judas response here is a direct response to the sacrificial action of Mary
Judas was OFFENDED at the devotion of Mary to Jesus
God always has a Plan
the Perfect Timing and Perfect Purpose of God
Correction and Love of Christ
John 2:4 ESV
4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Mary anoints Jesus
and Jesus corrects Judas
Judas shows His motivations are impure
and Jesus knows that He will be buried and anointed
It is our mission to obey!
to trust God and not the will of the people
BUT
John 16:33 ESV
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 12:8 ESV
8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
Deuteronomy 15:11 ESV
11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’