[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 12
Bible Verses:
““Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c] but you will not always have me.” (John 12:8-9)
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” (John 12:13)
“ Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:26)
“ Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:28)
“Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.” (John 12:36)
“Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. ” (John 12:46)
“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:47)
JESUS ANOINTED AT BETHANY (vs. 1-39)
A dinner was given in Jesus’ honor by the family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Mary took a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, and pour it on Jesus’ feet and wiped it with her hair. Judas Iscariot objected and said: “Why haven’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages” (v. 5). He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and as keeper of the money bag, he used to benefit himself.
Jesus rebuked him saying: “Leave her alone. It was intended that she should have save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you but you will not always have me” (v. 8). Many came to see Lazarus whom Jesus had raised and put their faith in Jesus.
THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY (vs. 12-19)
While Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, a great crowd took palm branches to meet him shouting” “Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the King of Israel” (v. 13). Jesus sat on a donkey as he entered and many people went out to meet him. The Pharisees were envious and planned to kill him.
JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH (vs. 20-36)
Jesus saw himself as a seed that would die and produce fruit. His death has conquered Satan and glorified the Father. The cross would open salvation to all men on earth. He is the light where we can put our trust to become sons of light.
THE JEWS CONTINUED IN THEIR UNBELIEF (vs. 37-49)
Even after the Jews had seen the miraculous signs of Jesus, they still would not believe in him because their eyes were blinded and their hearts were dreadened. They could not see with their eyes and understand with their hearts. This had fulfilled what prophet Isaiah had prophesied.
Jesus showed them the light but they chose to walk in darkness. What Jesus said was what the Father has told him to say because he was sent by the Father. They refused to accept His Word but at the last day, they will be condemned.
REFLECTION:
- Mary’s adoration to Jesus filled the house with the fragrance of the perfume. Do you express you love to Jesus by filling Christ’s fragrance to the place you go?
- The crowd welcome Jesus during his triumphal entry but stay away when he was on the cross. Will you be faithful to God till the end?
- Jesus looked upon His death as an opportunity to glorify God. What is your attitude when you face a trial?
- Many leaders believed in him but would not confess their faith for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. Would you prefer praise from men or praise from God?
- There are two choices for you to make. Rejecting the Word of God that leads to condemnation or obeying God’s Word that finds salvation and eternal life. Which will you choose?
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