August 20, 2020

#39 - The Gospel of John

12 minutes

John 12:1-11 (NIV)

Read by: Smiley Abrams

Today’s passage might be a familiar one, but seeing its place in the full context of John’s gospel might be a new experience for you. Regardless, as you listen today, remember what’s come before, and consider what’s ahead. As we did with the story of Lazarus’s resurrection, let’s imagine ourselves in this scene. What do you see, smell, hear? Notice how your body might react to those things and what feelings come to the surface for you. . .

----------REFLECT----------

This passage begs us to see ourselves in the characters: Martha--the ever-faithful servant-heart, Mary the extravagant giver. . . and Judas--the one who seems to be concerned for the poor and eager not to waste what could be given. Who do you find yourself connecting to? Why?

Jesus quiets Judas’ rebuke of Mary, and accepts her gift as the anointing for his burial and saying, “the poor will always be with you.” How have you heard people interpret this verse? Is Jesus saying we should or shouldn’t care for the poor?

Many people have misread this verse as an excuse to neglect the poor and it’s a scandal. Because Jesus is actually quoting Deuteronomy 15, where God commanded his people to be continuously generous to the poor and to cancel all debts every 7 years. . . and on the 7th seven year cycle to let the land rest, to return land to its original owners and to set the captives free. It was called Jubilee. Jesus is saying that this is the work that he’s about to do… this is what his kingdom looks like. In Jesus this jubilee has come and it is also not yet. In what areas of your life have you tasted it? In what areas of your life are you still longing to drink of it?

----------CONNECT----------

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