Storytime with John 12 v 1-11
The news that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead spread far and wide. It seems this was something people wanted to find out about and for family and friends to celebrate with a meal in Jesus honour. Mary also had a surprise both for Jesus and for the assembled company. The fragrance of the perfume poured on Jesus’ feet spread far and wide as did the good news of the generosity of her action. This is a story many people remember.
Perhaps Paul alludes to this in 2 Corinthians 2.14 ‘God uses us to make the knowledge about Christ spread everywhere like a sweet fragrance.’
In this Vision4Life year we are following the theme of evangelism. We might ask ourselves how our actions and words enable Jesus to be known and celebrated.
But there is also a dark theme in the passage. Not only Jesus life is in danger but also that of Lazarus as people made plans to kill him. Why does goodness and generosity have this effect on some people? Why deny what is life giving? The motives of Judas are laid bare in the story and give us a clue to our own frailty and selfishness; he does not care for the poor but only himself.
Jim Wallis translates v 8 in a different way. ‘You will always be with the poor – just as I am’. Here then is the challenge to those who claim to be religious. Where do you stand? What company do you keep? How do you use what is precious?
Will you follow the way of the cross? How will you pour out your own life so that others might live and put their faith in Jesus?
Bob Day
Roby and Trinity Pastorate, Manchester
