John 12:1-11

1. We see what abounding proofs exist of the truth of our Lord’s greatest miracles.
2. We see what unkindness and discouragement Christ’s friends sometimes meet with from other people.
3. We see what desperate hardness and unbelief there is in the human heart.

"In an age of abounding unbelief and scepticism, we shall find that the resurrection of Christ will bear any weight that we can lay on it."

"A day is soon coming when a wondering world will see that every cup of cold water given for Christ’s sake, as well as every gift of precious oil was recorded in heaven and has its rewards. In that great day those who thought that anyone could give too much to Christ will find they had better never have been born."

"Let us pray that our faith may be real, true, genuine and sincere, and not a mere temporary impression like the morning cloud and the early dew. Not least, let us watch and pray against the love of the world."

Questions:

1. We see a supper in which many see Lazarus eating and drinking, leaving no doubt that he is alive and that Jesus was Messiah. This proof, of which there is no refuting, points forward to Jesus rising from the dead as well as he did many of the same things Lazarus did. Does this reality, of Jesus rising from the dead, cause our hearts to rejoice even now?
2. We see both a love for Jesus expressed, and one of whom more would have been expected, criticizing such expressions of love. Ryle exhorts us that those indebted to Christ will be those who give much to Christ and that, sadly, there are many who will not understand such giving. How do we respond when we hear of others giving extravagant gifts for Christ? What are we willing to give for the sake of Christ?
3. Judas Iscariot had the benefit of seeing all Christ's miracles, heard on his teaching, received repeated kindnesses and yet proved rotten in the end. This, as Ryle points out, is evidence of the depth of corruption of the fall of humanity. Do we look at Judas and think we could never be like him or do we need to be careful if we think we stand lest we fall? Do we pray that our faith may be real, true, genuine, and sincere? May it be so for our joy and His glory!