The Transformed Life: The Worth of Jesus
Overview
This Sunday, we celebrated our 11th year as a church! Carl Lubbe preached on John 12:1-11, asking the question: What is Jesus worth?
Key Scripture
John 12:1–11
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 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.
7 “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.”
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
See It
(What is God saying?)
What different postures toward Jesus do you notice in this scene—Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Judas, and the crowd—and how does each one reveal what they believe Jesus is worth
Why does Mary’s act feel so excessive and uncomfortable to others in the room? What does Jesus’ response reveal about how he interprets her worship?
How does John contrast Mary’s generosity with Judas’ objection? What clues does the text give us about what’s really motivating each of them?
Be It
(What is God calling you to do about it?)
Where might Jesus be inviting you into a form of worship that feels extravagant, inefficient, or misunderstood by others? What holds you back?
When you talk about “wisdom,” “stewardship,” or “helping others,” how do you discern whether those concerns are flowing from love for Jesus or from self-protection?
What would it look like for your life to be “filled with the fragrance” of devotion to Jesus this week—something tangible that others can sense Gods presence, even if they don’t fully understand it?