John 12:1-11 – Generosity
We read of a supper at Bethany where Lazarus sits among the guests – Lazarus, who has been publicly raised from the dead, after lying four days in the grave. Here is the same Lazarus, after several weeks, sitting among men with a real body and eating and drinking real food. This is a proof of Christ’s power that even Jesus’ enemies can’t argue with.
Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints the feet of Jesus with costly perfume and wipes them with her hair. She does it out of love and gratitude. She thinks nothing too great or good to give to such a Saviour. Sitting at His feet in days gone by, and hearing His words, she has found peace for her conscience, and pardon for her sins. At this very moment she sees Lazarus alive and well, sitting by her Master’s side – her own brother Lazarus, whom He brought to her from the grave. Greatly loved, she thinks she cannot show too much love in return. Having freely received, she freely gives. But some find fault with what Mary does and blame her. They have low views of who Christ is and our obligations to Him. A cold heart and a stingy hand generally go together. We must not allow ourselves to be deterred in serving Christ by the unkind remarks of some. We can’t expect men and women to do much for Christ , when they have no sense of being in debt to Christ. We should pity their blindness and work on.
There is terrible unbelief and hardness in the hearts of men. The chief priests would rather commit a murder and kill Lazarus than admit that they are wrong, and Jesus is the Messiah. Judas Iscariot spends three years following Christ, seeing His miracles, hearing His teaching, receiving His kindness, but is a traitor in the end. Let us thank God for the faith He has given us and pray that it will grow.
Questions
- Why do the Jews want to kill Lazarus?
- Why does Mary anoint Jesus’ feet?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would serve Christ wholeheartedly.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.