The Threatening Power of Christ
October 28, 2023
John 12:1-11 | Ephesians 1:3-8
Lazarus’ raising and Mary’s anointing are not often seen as companion stories. But they are deeply connected. In particular for John, Lazarus’ resurrection was the final straw for the authorities. Jesus has always been a threat to them throughout John, but the idea/rumor that he can raise someone from the dead is the ultimate danger. Whether they believe he actually can raise someone from the dead, and thus is an agent of the devil or whether they think it’s just a rumor doesn’t matter. He must go.
Mary’s anointing is a beautiful moment. Jesus names her act as one of preparation. It’s not clear if Mary knows that or if Jesus accepted her sacrificial act in such a way.
Judas’ role begins to come clear in John. Judas’ bad reputation is much stronger in John than the other gospels. It’s clear to John that Judas is of the devil. He is not simply a betrayer, but a thief. Why Jesus would allow for a thief to carry the money bag is up for question. Did he know? Was he a bad judge of character or ability? It might seem like a tangential issue, but some conclusions might support the notion that Jesus didn’t care nearly as much about money as we might hope that he would. What are the implications for us and money?
Lazarus’ new life is a critical point for faith (or not). Many believed because of it. Others (like the authorities) decidedly did not and saw it as a threat. It’s a word of significant caution for us, even today. When the power of Christ radically changes a life in ways we can’t completely comprehend, how will we respond?
John 12:1-11
Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Lazarus and his sisters hosted a dinner for him. Martha served and Lazarus was among those who joined him at the table. Then Mary took an extraordinary amount, almost three-quarters of a pound, of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She anointed Jesus’ feet with it, then wiped his feet dry with her hair. The house was filled with the aroma of the perfume. Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), complained, “This perfume was worth a year’s wages! Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and would take what was in it.)
Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. This perfume was to be used in preparation for my burial, and this is how she has used it. You will always have the poor among you, but you won’t always have me.”
Many Jews learned that he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. The chief priests decided that they would kill Lazarus too. It was because of Lazarus that many of the Jews had deserted them and come to believe in Jesus.
Ephesians 1:3-8
Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace, which he poured over us with wisdom and understanding.
Prayer
God,
I’m sure there are times when I’ve domesticated Jesus. I like things to fit in neatly, nicely, and without disturbance. But this is not my call, not a decision of my choosing.
So help me to be okay with the strange, the disturbance, and the extraordinary. Give me acceptance of your work however it comes. Surprise me. Challenge me. Show me your transformational work throughout the world.
‘Cause it’s easy to feel rather pessimistic these days.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.