214. Out Of Love and Gratitude

John 12:1-11

Key Verse: "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me."

John 12:7-8

We've been at this home before. The first time that we were here, Martha was complaining because her sister Mary wasn't helping. She doesn't seem to mind serving this time. Then, we were here after Lazarus died and Jesus showed up to bring him back to life. There are extra people milling about this time to gaze at Lazarus, the amazing spectacle, brought back to life!

Finally, there is Mary, we find her where she always wants to be, at Jesus feet. At our first visit, she sat at His feet to learn. The second time, she fell at His feet to worship and grieve. Today, she is at His feet to give thanks to her gracious Lord for all He has done for her family, and for her. And, now, in gratitude she is giving back to Him. 

He has all of their hearts and lives, but not their gifts or personalities. Martha is still the hostess. Mary is still the devoted. And they accept each other.  

If only the occasion were not marred by the critics. There are the rulers, who, as usual, fear losing their influence over the people. Now, however, for the first time, we notice a new critic from within. One of Jesus’ own circle of closest friends is stepping aside to complain and we are just now noticing.

We need to remember that John wrote his gospel many years after all of these events took place. It is probably in hindsight that the pieces of Judas' story were put together and the disciples finally saw who he truly was. In truth, at the time, Judas must have come across as a very trustworthy person. After all, he had been entrusted with the money for the whole group. Only later it was discovered that he was a thief. It was probably only Jesus who knew the truth about Judas all along, yet he left it alone. Why hadn't Jesus done something about Judas before now? Why had He allowed a thief to remain in their midst? Who can truly know the heart of God for the entire answer? I'm sure that redemption and an opportunity for repentance was a large part of it. No one would ever be able to say that Judas hadn't had a chance to be changed and redeemed by Jesus.

We also see in Judas' complaint how he could use Jesus’ own language to sound pious and upright. "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?" (John 12:5) After all, Jesus cared for the poor and shunned earthly wealth. Why He had told one would be follower that He didn't even have a place to lay His head! (Luke 9:58) How in the world could Jesus approve of such lavish waste!

Yet, when we review Jewish history, we see God Himself not only approving, but asking for extravagant generosity for His sake by His people. In the building of the tabernacle, and Solomon's temple and the temple after the exile, God calls His people to be generous in their giving toward Him. "God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Cor. 9:7B) Jesus did not consider Mary's gift a waste. In fact, He honored it by assuring that it would be told wherever the gospel was shared.

Think of your offering for a moment. How often do you give to receive something in return? You give to help the church pay its bills so that you will be comfortable in worship. You may give to receive a blessing from the Lord. There are good reasons to give, but what if, after the collection, the usher set the plate on fire to honor God. Would you be appalled at the waste, or could you let it go for His glory? Sometimes, that's the kind of glory God asks for and that's the glory that Mary honored Him with today.

 I Give You My Heart