Jesus understood the beauty of Mary's sacrifice

November 11, 2002

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 24

Jesus understood the beauty of Mary's sacrifice
___ John 12
___By Robert Creech
___University Baptist Church-Clearlake, Houston
___On Saturday evening, the day before Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he is guest of honor at a gathering in Bethany. Characteristically, Martha is serving (12:2; Luke 10:38, 40), while Mary falls at his feet (12:3; 11:32; Luke 10:39). Mary offers Jesus a sacrificial gift of expensive ointment in an extravagant gesture of gratitude.
___Not everyone recognizes the beauty of this gift, however. Matthew and Mark also record the event (Matthew 26:6-14; Mark 14:1-11), placing it on Tuesday of Jesus' final week. Neither identifies the woman as Mary, and neither mentions Lazarus.
___Matthew, Mark and John, however, all record the same response to Mary's extravagant act: It is a waste. The perfume ought to have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. Mark attributes the response to "some of those present" (Mark 14:4). Matthew assigns it more specifically to "the disciples" (Matthew 26:8). John, however, makes it clear the remark came from one particular disciple--Judas (John 12:4). Matthew and Mark both associate this event with Judas' decision to betra

y Jesus (Matthew 26:14-15; Mark 14:10-11).
___The narrator intrudes to inform the reader of the darkness permeating Judas' heart. We not only learn Judas is going to betray Jesus (12:4), but that he has no concern for the poor and is an embezzler as well (12:6)! Jesus' interpretation of Mary's gift indicates his approaching hour already occupies his mind. He sees the act as a proleptic anointing of his body for burial (12:7-8).
___Lazarus, understandably, is a local celebrity, and many come from Jerusalem to see the man Jesus raised from the dead (12:9). Lazarus' indisputable testimony troubles the authorities, however, and they plan to take his life as well (12:10). The narrator wants us to catch the irony of those who are spiritually blind seeking to kill one who has already been raised from the grave, as well as the one who raised him, the Resurrection and the Life.
___The news of Lazarus' resuscitation attracts increasing attention to Jesus. According to John, this accounts for the huge crowd accompanying him on his "triumphal entry" into Jerusalem (12:17-18). To the Pharisees, the response of the crowds means the realization of their worst fears: "Look how the whole world has gone after him!" (12:19).
___As if to affirm the truth of that exclamation, John next tells of some Greeks attending Passover who want to meet Jesus (12:20-22). When they approach Jesus, he announces the arrival of his anticipated, fateful hour (12:23; 2:4; 4:21, 23; 5:25, 28; 7:6, 8, 30; 8:20). He interprets that hour as an hour of death that precedes a great victory (12:24-25).
___To the inquiring Greeks, Jesus offers the demands of discipleship. Following Jesus means losing one's life, exchanging the life of sin, death and darkness for a relationship with God called "eternal life" (12:5; 17:3). Serving Jesus means following him, going where he goes, doing what he does, living as he lives (12:26). His disciples will experience Jesus' continuing presence, not because he follows them wherever they go, but because they follow him where he is going (12:26). Having them with him is one of Jesus' central concerns (12:26; 14:3; 17:24).
___In a brief prayer, Jesus submits to the hour that has come and all it will demand of him (12:27). The Father responds in a voice Jesus recognizes, but that confuses some bystanders (12:28-30). Jesus explains the meaning of the hour. The "world," that dark system that has set itself up in rebellion against God, is about to face judgment. The prince of this world is about to answer to God (12:31). This judgment will fall as the Son of Man comes to his hour of exaltation (12:32).
___In one of the many word plays in this gospel, Jesus speaks of his being "lifted up" (12:32, 34; 3:14; 8:28). The phrase carries two meanings. It refers literally to his being "lifted up" on the cross (12:33). The word translated "lift up" can also mean "to exalt," however. This is the irony of Jesus' "hour of glory" (12:23, 27-28). Jesus' exaltation means being lifted up on the cross in fulfillment of the Father's will and purpose.
___Jesus offers another proverbial saying regarding the light and the importance of responding to the light while opportunity remains (12:35-36). Then he retires into temporary hiding, showing himself to "the world" no more.
___Our narrator closes off this first section of his story, the book of signs, the revelation of the Lamb to old Israel, by taking the stage for a brief closing soliloquy (12:37-43). Using Old Testament texts (Isaiah 53:1; 6:10), he interprets the unbelief Jesus has encountered, as he came to his own, and his own refused to accept him (1:11). The section closes with a quotation from Jesus, announcing the judgment that falls upon those who refuse to believe, who by rejecting the Son, reject the Father who sent him (12:44-50).
___Questions for discussion
___ Imagine the experience of Mary in searching out the perfect gift to express her gratitude and love for Jesus (12:3). What in your life would represent such a sacrifice?
___ What do you regard to be the true costs of following Jesus in your life? What have been the costs of not following him (12:23-26)?

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