Gospel for today
John 12:1-11

Wow, diving into John 12:1-11 again really hits differently, doesn't it? It's not just a story; it's a profound snapshot of devotion, betrayal, and Jesus' unique mission, offering so much meaning for us today. I wanted to share some thoughts on why this passage always resonates with me and what I’ve learned from it. First, let's talk about Mary's incredible act of worship. Imagine the scene: Jesus, Lazarus, Martha, and others gathered for dinner. Then Mary, without a word, takes a whole liter of expensive perfume – genuine aromatic nard – and anoints Jesus' feet, then dries them with her hair. This wasn't just any perfume; the Bible tells us it was worth three hundred days' wages! That's almost a year's salary! It was an extravagant, selfless gesture of deep devotion. For me, it highlights sacrificial love like Mary – giving her absolute best to Jesus, holding nothing back. Her act was also a preparation for Jesus' burial, as He himself pointed out. It reminds me how important it is to give our best to God, not just our leftovers. It’s about expressing heartfelt worship that isn't concerned with cost or public opinion. Then there's Judas. His immediate reaction, "Why wasn't this oil sold and given to the poor?" sounds noble on the surface, right? But the text explicitly tells us he said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and stole from the money bag. This is such a stark contrast to Mary's pure heart. It really challenges us to examine our hearts like Judas. Are our actions truly motivated by love and devotion, or by hidden self-interest? It's a powerful reminder that outward appearances can be deceiving, and God sees beyond our words to our true intentions. This passage forces me to ask myself: Am I genuinely serving, or am I just looking good doing it? Jesus' response to Judas, "Leave her alone... You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me," is often misunderstood. It's not that Jesus didn't care for the poor (He constantly taught compassion and helped the needy). Instead, He was highlighting the unique and finite time He had with them before His crucifixion. Mary's act was a prophetic pouring out of love in anticipation of His death and burial. It teaches us about prioritizing Jesus, especially in moments when His presence or truth is uniquely revealed or offered. And let's not forget Lazarus! His resurrection was a miracle that drew a large crowd of Jews, causing many to believe in Jesus. This put a target on Lazarus's back, too. The chief priests, instead of rejoicing in the miracle, plotted to kill Lazarus as well! It shows the extreme lengths some will go to suppress the truth and maintain their power, even to the point of wanting to undo a miracle. It underscores how Jesus' profound impact, especially Lazarus who was from the dead, intensified the spiritual battle. So, what's the meaning of John 12:1-11 for us, like a sermon for our lives? For me, it's about checking my heart. Am I like Mary, offering sacrificial love and devotion without reservation? Or am I more like Judas, letting selfish motives cloud my judgment? This passage invites us to respond to Jesus not just with words, but with our actions, our resources, and our whole being. It reminds me that our time with Jesus, whether through His Word or prayer, is precious and should be prioritized. It's a call to genuine faith and worship, understanding the profound significance of who Jesus is and what He has done. It truly makes me believe and want to follow Him with my whole heart, above all else.