John 12:1-7

Linda J. Black in “Kids of the Kingdom,” shares a story relating to her work as the Church treasurer.

Because of Linda’s role she makes a weekly trip to the bank to deposit Sunday’s contribution, which her kids are familiar with. However, one day her 3-year-old opened the bank bag and looked in.

“Where did all that money come from?” he asked.

“From the collection plates at church.”

David looked at me wide-eyed and asked, “Does God know you did that?”

Yes, God knows David. He knows what you gave. What you did. And what you took.

The occasion of today’s text relates to the issue of money as Jesus and his friends are enjoying a special dinner that Martha prepared in His honor. It follows Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead after being in the tomb for 4 days. Also it’s just 6 days before the Passover. The death of Jesus is eminent.

John records that Mary “ took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair.” Matthew and Mark’s account says she also anointed His head as well. Scholars suggest this ointment would have cost a year’s wages of a common laborer.

Upon seeing this extravagant display of love, Judas Iscariot complained that the ointment could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. However, John says that Judas, who was the treasurer, was a thief and was pilfering from the money bag.

Several lessons can be learned from this text.

#1 Take time out to enjoy fellowship with your friends.

Jesus’ final week was a busy one as he was completing His ministry. There were still parables to be presented. Lessons to be learned. Instructions given to the apostles. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The institution of the Lord’s supper. The washing of the disciples feet. And, of course, the denial by Peter, the betrayal by Judas, and His arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

Not doubt there was a lot on Jesus’ mind. But He was not too busy to be with friends. To relax. And enjoy a meal.

Let’s don’t get so busy, even in our ministry, that we miss opportunities for fellowship. For special times with friends, family, and brethren. For some relaxing, good conversation.

#2 Show your love while there is time and opportunity.

There’s a saying, “give people their flowers while they can still smell them.” In other words, while they’re still alive and can enjoy them.

After Jesus’ death both Mark and Luke record that certain women came to His tomb to anoint His body with spices. Mary, however, did that while He was alive; while Jesus could appreciate and enjoy this grand gesture of love.

Mary’s ministry was one of extravagant love. One of humility. One of transparency. Her example is one we should consider. There are occasions to honor and recognize family, friends, or brethren with an outpouring of love. A love that says no gift or gesture is too expensive. A love that is expressed by servility. A love that is motivated, as Barclay put it, by an “unselfconsciousness.”

#3 Not all criticism is justified.

In stark contrast to the character of Mary and Martha was Judas the traitor. The thief. The betrayer. The critic.

It’s good remember that when we go above and beyond in our expression of love and service, some folks will throw stones. They will find a way to “throw cold water” on our good deed. But not all criticism is valid. Some criticize out of impure and selfish intentions.

If your heart is right and your motives are pure, don’t be deterred or discouraged from doing a good deed. Even one that may raise some eyebrows by those who may condemn or castigate and charge us with impropriety.

One final thought. John only mentions that Lazarus “sat at the table with Jesus.” But Lazarus had been to Hades and back. He had experienced death. For four days he had been on the other side. How did that impact him? Change him? Affect his future life decisions? Help him approach death a second time? And heighten his anticipation of eternal paradise? Maybe we should think more about life on the other side of the grave to improve our life on earth. Unlike Lazarus, none of us with get another chance to come back to earth.

Jesus and His friends provide many modern- day lessons for us and much food for thought.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman