The Christ and the Crisis

Four part series in John Chapter 12, Showing how He relates to four different groups of people, the first:

“His Friends”John 12:1-

11

The Crisis…•John 12 records the second major crisis in Jesus’ ministry, as perceived by the disciples•The first when multitudes left Him, (John 6:66)•The crisis here, to John, is widespread unbelief•Most troubling in His closest friends•Today we’ll see a contrast of love and hate •One loves so much as to hold nothing back •The other hates so much as to sell Him for Silver

Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, *said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?”6 Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. 7 Therefore Jesus said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.

8 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”9 The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus.

John 12:1-11, NASB

Six Days Before the Crucifixion…•John 12:1-2, Lazarus is seated at the table with Jesus for a meal after Jesus’ raised him•Although there are gaps in time throughout John’s gospel, ( by “after these things”, etc.) this se- quence is definite in final period•Lambs prepared for Passover •The intensity is getting stronger and stronger

Six Days Before the Crucifixion…•Getting ahead of the text for just a second to dispel any confusion•This account also recorded in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14 :3-9•Luke 7:36-50, is a former pros- titute, home of Simon the Pharisee (Simon is a common name)•Mary was a virtuous woman, this was home of Simon the Leper, obviously healed by Jesus

Six Days Before the Crucifixion…•This was in Bethany (South)•Luke 7 in Galilee (North)•Mary living up to her nature•Martha as well– serving– even in someone else’s home•Know anyone like that?•We love having them in our home…

Mary’s Love for Jesus•Vv 3, the expensive oil•Combining all 3 accounts, we learn that she anointed His head AND His feet•An act of pure love on her part, boundless and unselfish love.• Showing devotion before it was too late, “roses for the funeral” yet while He was still alive—•A year’s wages (v5), she would not give that which cost her nothing-- sacrifice

Judas’ hatred against Jesus•Vv 4-8, his very name has become a synonym for treachery in dictionaries• Judas’ first words in all four Gospels• Shows cunning and deceitful mind•Most tragic human who ever lived and most despicable character in history•Not concerned for the poor, but em- bezzling the funds for his own selfish desires• Judas teaches us that outward appearances can be deceptive

Judas’ hatred against Jesus•Many people have a religious facade that hides secret sin•Books have been written calling him a misguided soul, trying to prod Jesus into a political stance•Here’s the saddest thing:•He lived 3 years close to the TRUTH•Yet he was not influenced by Jesus or the other 11 disciples•Have you known anyone similar?

Death to Lazarus again….?

•Vv 9-11, the chief priests were mostly Sadducees•They didn’t believe in the doctrine of the resurrection•Lazarus was living proof that they were WRONG!•A complete embarrassment to their theological system•Only solution: Kill Lazarus

Five Characteristics of the Scoffer…1. They set their own false standards2. They always demand more evidence of

God, but they don’t take the evidence they already have into their hearts objectively

3. They do bias researches that are purely subjective to meet their conclusion that they want

4. They reject the facts5. They are egocentric, no one and nothing

matters in their minds

Lazarus’ witness…•There are no recorded words of Lazarus in the Gospels, but his daily walk was enough to convince people that Jesus is the Son of God. •A literal “living witness” used by God to bring people to salvation•We should be like Lazarus, not dying and coming back to life physically, but spiritually.

Lazarus’ witness…•Romans 6:4 •“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Take Away…•Because if his effective witness he was a target•This event gives us 3 examples•Martha– Work- serving the Lord•Mary– Worship- her fragrant offering •Lazarus– Witness– people came top Bethany just to see the man raised from the dead

Take Away…•We can fool others with our religious facades, but not God. Let’s be honest with God, others, and ourselves•We should examine our own hearts and homes to ask whether we are bringing joy to His heart by our work, worship, and witness