QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

THE ANOINTING OF JESUS AT BETHANY

John 12:1-8

(Addendum study on Lazarus - verses 9-11)

This passage of scripture is very significant because it is preparatory to the Lord's crucifixion. All of the events which would follow in the Lord's life would bear witness to this action of Mary, although none of the people understood it's significance at the time it was done.

Mary's actions were inspired by the Holy Spirit. She performed an act of worship and adoration which was, in fact, much deeper in it's meaning than a simple personal devotional. (We need to understand that our acts of worship and devotion always have deeper spiritual significance than we can imagine. Our worship, after all, is our recognition of His Lordship and our submission to His authority in our lives.)

THE DYNAMICS OF PERSONAL DEVOTION (MARY)

Sincere worship must have priority over other things in your life.

People (family and friends) must not be permitted to hinder.

Others (acquaintances and strangers) must now be permitted to hinder.

Sincere worship focuses on the Lord.

Singleness of mind is imperative.

Circumstances must not be allowed to hinder.

Sincere worship does not count the cost.

Spikenard, the fragrant ointment which Mary used, was equivalent to a year's wages.

Money, time, convenience, reputation, etc. must not be permitted to hinder.

THE DYNAMICS OF GREED (JUDAS)

Greed always questions the cost of sincere worship.

The hypocrisy of insincere worship always focuses on someone other than the Lord.

The feigned concern of the greedy person for the "extravagance" of the worshipper (time, money, focus, etc.) reveals the depth of the depravity of a greedy heart.

Greed always "fakes" sincerity when, in actuality, the motivation is to hide a sinful heart.

It is not possible for a greedy person to sincerely worship the Lord because they have a distorted value system. (carnal/fleshly perspective)

The focus on others is a tactical maneuver to deflect attention from the rebellion in their own life.

Greed will always be rebuked by the Lord. It is a manifestation of the spirit of the Anti-Christ. It is always deceptive and mean-spirited.

A greedy heart is not concerned for the poor, or any one else for that matter. It only seeks personal gain and benefit. Judas argued that the price of this expensive ointment could have been put into the Lord's treasury and used to feed the poor. (It would have been pilfered by Judas because he was a thief.)

THINK ABOUT THIS

Could (would) Jesus honor your acts of worship?

THREATS TO A MIRACLE

The miraculous "resurrection" of Lazarus was an authentication of Jesus as the Son of God. The chief priests hated Jesus and viewed Lazarus as a tremendous obstacle to their continued efforts to discredit and defame the Lord. They attended this "anointing" event, not for the purpose of worship but murder. They hoped to be able to clandestinely accomplish the murder of Lazarus while at the same time plotting the death of the Lord.

YOU ARE ALSO A MIRACLE

You were "raised from the dead" by the Lord's power and forgiveness.

You are hated by the devil and all of his legions.

You are assaulted spiritually, emotionally, mentally and sometimes physically, by those who do the bidding of the devil.

You stand as a testimony to the redeeming power of the blood of Jesus.

5. No weapon formed against you can prosper!