A study of John 12:1-11 reveals honoring Jesus and extravagant love, an altruistic guise and spiritual vision, and seeking spectacle over substance.
A study of John 12:1-11 reveals honoring Jesus and extravagant love.
So they gave a dinner for him there.Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pintof pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. (ESV, John 12: 2-3)
This story is similarly recorded in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and Luke 7:36-50. A woman annoints Jesus with a jar full of expensive perfume. But there are variations among the authors. So how do we make sense of it? The account in Luke has several differences in time, location, and story characters and is therefore a separate event. But Matthew, Mark, and John can be explained as different writer viewpoints and perspectives of the same event. Like the story variations between different eyewitnesses describing the same incident.
In this account, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary host a dinner for Jesus who recently raised Lazarus from the dead in a dramatic fashion before a crowd of eyewitnesses. And the dinner both honors Jesus and celebrates Lazarus who participates in the occasion as a living testimony to the power of God. Martha works as a server. And in the middle of dinner, Mary expresses her devotion to Jesus in a dramatic, emotional act of extravagance. She pours a jar of expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus and dries his feet with her hair.
It was a selfless expression of humility, devotion, and love. But of course, there are always people who judge the actions of others out of the sinful desires in their own hearts. And in this case, it was Judas Iscariot.
A study of John 12:1-11 reveals an altruistic guise and spiritual vision.
Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. (ESV, John 12: 5-6)
Proper stewardship of God’s resources is a legitimate concern for every organization in Christian ministry. And those responsible for the finances must decide how to best disperse money towards benevolence, ministry, missions, and facilities. Who gets what, when, and why? The ultimate goal is to both honor God and support ministry. But sin has a way of spoiling things.
And sinful motives are easily hidden under the guise of altruism as demonstrated by Judas Iscariot. Although he raises a good point. The perfume Mary just poured over Jesus’ feet could have helped many poor people. Especially since it represented a year of income for the average worker of that day. But Judas didn’t really care about the poor. He was thinking about himself. Specifically, how he might help himself to it since he handled the ministry money purse.
But to our surprise and Judas’ disappointment, Jesus sides with Mary.
Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” (ESV, John 12:7-8)
Mary demonstrates spiritual vision
Spiritual vision requires humility, submission, and faith. And Mary demonstrated it in washing Jesus’ feet. Of course, caring for the poor was important. But the work of Christ was essential. For without his sacrifice for sin, mankind was doomed. Mary didn’t have it all figured out. But she confessed Jesus for who he was–the Son of God. And though her understanding was probably limited, she saw that at this particular moment he was the most significant person who deserved her full devotion.
And that is what spiritual vision involves. People of God who prayerfully seek and prioritize actions by looking beyond human reasoning and acting on faith to perform God’s work. Ideally, a church congregation collectively and prayerfully seeks God’s will and exercises faith to pursue a Spirit led direction.
A study of John 12:1-11 reveals seeking spectacle over substance.
Certainly, it was a dramatic sight when Lazarus emerged alive from the tomb in burial wrappings. And Mary’s display was impressive too, enhanced by a sweet aroma that filled the home. As John notes, the spectacle attracted a large crowd of people who wanted to see both Jesus and Lazarus. The two stars in a miracle show beyond all others.
But there was substance too for those looking with spiritual eyes. The mighty power of God. A Savior who was the resurrection and the life. And an opportunity for eternal life. The problem, however, is when spectacle overshadows substance.
So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as wellbecause on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. (ESV, John 12:10-11)
Spectacle impresses us with the WOW factor. But substance sustains us in following Jesus Christ. And the spectacle of raising Lazarus caused many Jews to believe in Jesus. John makes no other comment so we must assume they were sincere decisions of faith. But the religious leaders grew even more determined to eliminate Jesus and kill Lazarus too since his resurrection was drawing more people to Jesus.
Today we are also surrounded with Christian spectacle. Worship services and church programs that attract consumers rather than spiritually form followers. And the question we must individually consider: Am I attending worship as a spectator or a follower of the living Lord?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
Three Whys of Easter. Non-Christians often wonder why Easter is such a big deal to followers of Jesus Christ. Here are three answers that explain the main beliefs of Christianity.
Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus come to earth?
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV, John 3:16)
Jesus entered the world to save us from sin. It is our primary moral problem and thoroughly addressed in scripture. But carefully avoided in modern culture. It’s seldom acknowledged in entertainment, news media, public schools, and universities. And generally an awkward topic for non-Christians.
However, when Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden, sin entered the world. And that one disobedient act has spread and infected the entire world like a cancer. Although most people admit they aren’t perfect and make mistakes, sin goes beyond that. And the problem? We’re all guilty of it.
Because unlike mistakes that are unintentional, sin is willful disobedience. Both in our acts and thoughts, we knowingly break God’s law. As a result we’re separated from God, and, as imperfect people, can’t atone for our sin. But Jesus came as the Son of God and lived a perfect life, which qualified him to atone for our sin.
Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus die on a cross?
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. Why? Because God’s justice demands punishment for sin. And since we can’t atone for ourselves, Jesus took the punishment on our behalf. God’s wrath toward sin was poured out on him instead of us as he hung on the cross.
It is not accidental that the cross is called a tree. Sin entered the world through a tree in the Garden of Eden. And it was Jesus’ sacrificial death on a tree formed into a cross that now offers salvation through forgiveness. Adam took from a tree resulting in death. Jesus gave himself on a tree bringing life through forgiveness.
Through Jesus we can trade eternal death for eternal life.
Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus rise from the dead?
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. And he was buried and raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
The resurrection of Jesus Christ validates and completes his redemptive work. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. Told his disciples he would die and rise again on the third day. And even the religious leaders seeking his death knew it. So they asked the Roman authorities to post guards at the entrance to his grave. But it didn’t stop the resurrection.
Therefore, those who believe in Jesus and his resurrection, ask him to forgive their sin, and follow him are spiritually transformed. Following his resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples and over 500 witnesses before ascending to heaven. And he promised to return. This is the hope that fills Christ-followers today. And why on resurrection Sunday we say with confidence. He has risen. He has risen indeed!
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Want to explore Christianity a little more?
This book offers a simple, conversational explanation about its main concepts–the ones that support everything else. It is written in plain, everyday language for those who want a better understanding of its basic belief system.
A study of John 8:39-47 differentiates between physical and spiritual relationships, reveals the scriptural claim to a spiritual relationship, and that we demonstrate the actions of the one we follow.
A study of John 8:39-47 differentiates between physical and spiritual relationships.
They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. (ESV, John 8:39-40)
Jesus taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Jewish festival of Tabernacles. And following an adversarial exchange with Pharisees (V.12-29), he instructed a group of believers (V.31) on discipleship. He said true disciples abide in his word and are set free. Surprisingly, the believers rejected his teaching. Their reason? They were already free because they were physical descendents of Abraham.
Jesus answered by addressing a spiritual realty. Those who reglularly practice sin are slaves to it (V.34). However, as the Son, he sets them free. He also speaks the words of his father and then suggests they have a different father since his word finds no place in them (V.37-38).
The Jews stubbornly repeated Abraham was their father like it was a final answer (V.39). As if shouting louder or with greater conviction makes something true. It doesn’t. And Jesus made another spiritual observation. The children of Abraham should also follow his spiritual example (V.39). In other words, Abraham was a man of faith. He demonstrated his faith through righteous actions and so should his children. Instead, they were listening to and doing the work of their real father.
A study of John 8:39-47 reveals the scriptural claim to a spiritual relationship.
They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God. (ESV, John 8:40)
The Jews finally moved from insisting on a physical connection with Abraham as their forefather to a spiritual one. They claim to be children of God. And they specifically mention the purity of their conception unblemished by sexual immorality. The Greek word used for “sexual immorality” is pornia from which we get pornography. Other translations may use the word “fornication” and “illegitimate.”
Scholars differ on what the Jews meant. There was an obvious inference to the questionable circumstances around Jesus’ potentially illegitimate birth as a personal attack. Illustrating even in ancient times, the destructive power of gossip. They were all born in lawful wedlock and Jesus was not.
Furthermore, Exodus 4:22, Jeremiah 31:9 and Deuteronomy 14:1-2 mention God as Israel’s father and them a treasured posession. So there was scriptural support to spiritually claim they were children of God. As legitimate Hebrews and not heathen idolaters, they were true worshipers of God who were special to him.
A study of John 8:39-47 reveals that we demonstrate the actions of the one we follow.
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. (ESV, John 8:42)
Jesus doesn’t refute their scripturally supported claim. Instead, he points out another connection. His eternal relationship to the father. He was the son sent by the father and speaks the words of the father. Therefore, if they really love, worship, and know the father, they should love him and abide in his word.
But they don’t. Why? Because their real father was the devil, a murderer and the father of lies. And their will was to do his desires. Therefore, they didn’t hear or understand Jesus’ word. They didn’t believe him because he spoke the truth (V45).
The point is the one we genuinely believe and follow is demonstrated by our actions. Followers of Jesus will pursue his righteousnes. Followers of the devil will pursue their own sinful desires. And eventually, the evil desires of the people Jesus confronted would demonstrate themselves when they supported the religious leaders with calls to crucify him.
Jesus issues a brazen challenge.
Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God. (V.46-47)
No other person in human history has made such an audacious claim. Even more amazing? No one has ever identified one sin Jesus ever committed. And many have tried.
Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward.” (ESV, Matthew 26:59-60)
The apostle Paul both confirms this truth and explain its importance.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus came to offer himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. And that required the sinless life that he accomplished.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals the difference between physical and spiritual life, that the bread Jesus gives is his flesh, and those who consume his flesh and blood abide in him.
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals the difference between physical and spiritual life.
I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. (ESV, John 6:48-50)
After his miraculous feeding of 5000 people with two loaves of bread and one fish, Jesus uses bread as the topic for a spiritual discussion with a crowd of people. He begins this passage with a statement that continues the conversation he began in V.32-35.
The Greek word that is normally used to mean physical life is bios. But the word Jesus uses for “life” here is zōē. It has a richer, fuller meaning that refers to life in fellowship with God and almost always includes eternal life.
Jesus then compares the manna God provided in the wilderness to the bread he offers. The manna sustained physical life on earth. But the people that ate it eventually died. However, the bread Jesus provides is spiritual. And it offers a higher quality of life on earth along with life in heaven. In other words, Jesus is the giver and sustainer of eternal life.
However, his audience struggled to take their eyes off the things of this world and see God’s spiritual truth. And what was hard for people then is the same today. So it’s an appropriate question: What things of this world keep you from seeing and responding to the truth of God’s word?
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals that the bread Jesus gives is his flesh.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (ESV, John 6:51)
Jesus identifies himself again as the living bread from heaven. Whoever eats this bread gains eternal life. And that bread is his flesh. So what do we make of this?
Many suggest Jesus is referring to the symbolism of the last supper. The bread represents his body and the cup his blood. And the idea can’t be dismissed. But an important distinction is the Greek word Jesus used at the last supper was soma which is “body” and here he uses the Greek word sarx, which is “flesh.” It is the same word used in John 1:14. And the word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Therefore, we may also consider consider that Jesus is speaking of himself as the incarnate son. The divine God as a human. Who sacrificed himself on the cross for our sins. Unfortunately, the people hear only what they want to hear. And respond on a physical level.
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals that those who consume Jesus’ flesh and blood abide in him.
Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. (ESV, John 6:56)
“The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The people struggled to digest this statement by Jesus. (pun intended) And it causes a dispute among them. Is he literally suggesting cannibalism? Of course not! He’s speaking symbolically. In both V.35 and V.40, Jesus delivers his key message. Those who seek eternal life must believe in him.
Rather than explain his meaning, Jesus leans into the symbolic discussion and adds drinking his blood to eating his flesh. And he repeats it twice. First, in a negative voice: If you don’t eat his flesh and drink his blood you have no life. And second, in a positive voice. if you do eat his flesh and drink his blood you gain eternal life and he will raise you up on the last day.
Furthermore, if you eat his flesh and drink his blood, he will abide in you and you in him. The Greek word for “abide” is mĕnō, which means to stay in relation, continue, dwell, endure, be present, and remain. It affirms that belief Jesus goes beyond an intellectual acknowledgement. But involves a personal relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals the call of God and security of believers, Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, and a consistent message of belief in Jesus for eternal life.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals the call of God and security of believers
But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (ESV, John 6:36-37)
A crowd of people had been following Jesus, mostly to watch him perform miracles. But he offered much more than that. And reminds them in V.35 that those who believe in him will have their spiritual hunger and thirst satisfied. Then he acknowledges in V.36 that many who saw his miraculous works, still didn’t believe in him. And it raises the question: why do some people believe in Jesus and others don’t? Especially, when everyone has the same opportunity to listen, observe, and respond to him. Jesus answers the question in V.37. People who believe are the ones the Father gives me. And he clarifies it further in V.44. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.
The Greek word for “draw” is helkysē, which means to drag, draw, and pull. It presents the idea of moving against resistance. God’s Spirit doesn’t just invite us to believe in Jesus. But moves us toward him.
When you hear God’s voice
This means the decision to follow Jesus is not solely on human volition. Where we intellectually consider the facts and decide on our own. It is a faith decision that extends beyond the physical realm to the spiritual realm. And involves spiritual intervention. God himself draws us to Jesus through the work of his Spirit. The Apostle Paul put it this way.
And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV, Romans 8:30)
Some people mistakenly think they can believe in Jesus at any time. Enjoy life on their own terms and decide to follow Jesus near the end of life so they can enter heaven. But scripture suggests otherwise. Therefore, if you sense the Spirit of God calling you to believe in Jesus, make an immediate decision. Don’t assume it’s an open invitation to accept at your convenience. However, when you turn to him, Jesus welcomes you with open arms.
And whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (ESV, John 6:37b)
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals Jesus’ obedience to God’s will
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (ESV, John 6:40)
Jesus explains the reason he came from heaven. Not to do his will, but the will of the father. And it is the father’s will that everyone who believes in Jesus receives eternal life and is resurrected on the last day.
Ironically, no one in the crowd argued against the divine source of power in Jesus’ miracles. But they suddenly questioned his claim of coming from heaven. Because they all knew he was the son of Joseph and Mary. And watched him grow up with all the other children in town. Perhaps, there were also lingering rumors and questions around the betrothed pregnancy of his mother. But conception of a virgin by the Holy Spirit was not one of them.
Did the unbelievers reject him because he didn’t offer enough miraculous proof? Maybe he was too human for them to believe he was God? Or was it simply an excuse? And what reasons do people give for rejecting Jesus today? Fortunately, God’s will does not change. He wills that we all believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. And when we follow him, Jesus secures us until the day of resurrection.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals a consistent message of belief in Jesus for eternal life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. (ESV, John 6:47)
Jesus ends the passage where he began. Telling the crowd to believe in him for eternal life. And his consistent message is proclaimed throughout the New Testament. The Greek word for “believes” is pisteuō, which means to believe, to entrust oneself, rely upon, and have faith in. It’s more than intellectual assent. But means personally trusting and relying on the one you believe in. And it is not one and done but ongoing belief.
However, the repetition didn’t drive home the message. Instead, it made the people grumble. Why? Because they didn’t believe he came down from heaven or they finally realized all his talk about bread was symbolic. It represented spiritual belief in him rather than actual bread. And meant they weren’t getting a lifelong food supply.
In V.45 Jesus’ words “And they will all be taught by God” refers to Isaiah 54:13. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. It supports and further elaborates on V.44. God draws people to believe in Jesus, not just through the voice of his Spirit. But also, the illuminated truth of God’s word.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
Join my list and I'll notify you of new blog posts and send you a monthly newsletter. It features inspirational thoughts, writing tips, and a peek into writing projects. I'll also include my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. It shows you how to punch up presentations with humor and make them more compelling.
