2nd April 2012 John 12:1-11

Jesus Anointed at Bethany
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 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. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He 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. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

There are so many parts of this passage which have never occurred to me before.

1. Judas was a thief, he stole from the money bag. Did Jesus know this? did the other disciples know this? Is this why he was the one who nut betray Jesus? I've always felt sorry for Judas, being the one who had to play the worst part in the passion process. I always felt he had no choice and came off worst. But now I see things differently and I'm challenged to see what it is that kept Jesus accepting and loving Judas. Truly Jesus died to save all of us from our sins.

2. The Priests intended to kill Lazarus because he was a dangerous symbol of Jesus' miracles. Did they do that? What happened to Lazarus?

Jesus each year we walk through your final week with you and each year you being something new to us, thank you for leading us and challenging us in our lives for you. Amen