John 12:1-8
12 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
What an incredible picture of how destiny unfolds for people in the Word of God. 3 different people...2 different directions...the men and woman, (if you will), at play here are: Jesus Christ, Judas Iscariot, and Mary (Sister of Lazarus).
This story picks up at a place where Jesus is nearly at the end of His ministry. The devil has poisoned the heart of Judas so much so, that anything given to Jesus is a waste to him! Here you also have this young girl who for some, may never make any significant waves in the Kingdom, and yet - she is the first person to give to the cause of Jesus Christ! Here in the Word, is the first recorded World Evangelism Offering by this young girl. She took her personal dowry, (Usually set a part for her future marriage), and decided to spend it on Jesus...(Good preaching for young women desiring to get married).
Jesus makes some remarkable statements concerning this particular offering. He responds to Judas' remark of - 'What a waste, to spend this much money on Jesus!!' Jesus replies, 'Leave her alone!' 'She has done this for My destiny!'
What's amazing about this encounter is what Judas said in verse 5...He placed a monetary value on the Spikenard. He could calculate the monetary value but had no clue of the spiritual implication this offering would make, not only for his time, but for all time! Having said this, what price have you placed on your relationship with Christ?
Are you willing to spend it all for Jesus...or...up to 300 denarii? Can Jesus only go as far as whatever 'Budget' you've placed on Him? What is He worth to you? We read about this woman at the tomb speaking of His resurrection...we read about Judas hanging himself...which one will you become
?
- Pastor Melrose
12 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
What an incredible picture of how destiny unfolds for people in the Word of God. 3 different people...2 different directions...the men and woman, (if you will), at play here are: Jesus Christ, Judas Iscariot, and Mary (Sister of Lazarus).
Jesus makes some remarkable statements concerning this particular offering. He responds to Judas' remark of - 'What a waste, to spend this much money on Jesus!!' Jesus replies, 'Leave her alone!' 'She has done this for My destiny!'
What's amazing about this encounter is what Judas said in verse 5...He placed a monetary value on the Spikenard. He could calculate the monetary value but had no clue of the spiritual implication this offering would make, not only for his time, but for all time! Having said this, what price have you placed on your relationship with Christ?
Are you willing to spend it all for Jesus...or...up to 300 denarii? Can Jesus only go as far as whatever 'Budget' you've placed on Him? What is He worth to you? We read about this woman at the tomb speaking of His resurrection...we read about Judas hanging himself...which one will you become
?
- Pastor Melrose
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