John 12:1-11 – Rightly honoring the Lord

Lazarus’ death was real and certain. It was not just a temporary cessation of breathing. He was truly dead for four days and his body was already decomposing in the grave. So what John 11 described was not just an-out-of-body experience but a man who had really returned from the dead. So here in John 12:1-11 we see a celebration of Lazarus’ victory over death. We are told that it was six days before the Passover. Our Lord came to Bethany where Lazarus was. Bear in mind, the religious leaders were nervy because of Lazarus’s resurrection. Though wonderful, the news of Lazarus raising from death was devastating for them. They had been trying to stop the movement of Jesus from progressing. And here the validity of the claim of Christ was now beyond doubt, with Lazarus as His star witness. Remember that this was near the Passover and the atmosphere in Jerusalem was pulsating with excitement. It was in this setting that the thanksgiving feast of Lazarus was conducted. It took great gut for anyone to host such a dinner, for it was viewed as defiance by the authority. For words had gone out to report the where about of Jesus. Clearly verse 2 tells us that the dinner was held to honor Jesus.

Martha was the first of the family of Lazarus to be mentioned. She was a great server and was into her element. Lazarus on the other hand was a great friend, he just sat reclined at the table with Jesus and was in wonderful fellowship with the Lord. Mary however, was a great worshipper and she deeply loved Jesus. At a point in the meal, she just got out a pound of perfume of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped them with her hair. Verse 3 tells us that it was very costly and Judas Iscariot estimated it to cost 300 denarii. This amount was approximately a person’s wage for ten months. The amount of perfume used was also indicated. Mary did not just use a few drops, she actually used the whole bottle to create that kind of aromatic atmosphere. The whole room was filled with the fragrance of perfume that cost a man’s ten month of wages.  

Judas Iscariot was the sore thumb here. He already had intention to betray Jesus. Here he tried to camouflage his intention, with a remark to give the impression that he cared for the poor. However, in reality he was more concerned about the amount of money they had in the treasure box. Being the treasurer, he was responsible to take care of it but he had been stealing from their common fund in the treasure box.  Jesus then gently rebuked him. He was told to give Mary a break. He argued that even if she had saved the perfume for His burial, it would only take place once. Whereas the poor would always be around, and giving to them can take place anytime. Jesus was indicating that Mary had chosen the right occasion to honor Him. There is always a right moment for every action. We must learn to understand the different seasons of life and act appropriately to honor the Lord.  

We are told from verses 9-11, that the real reason many Jews came to where Jesus was, was not to honor Him. They came because they wanted to catch a glimpse of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead. He was the Lord’s star witness after all. We are also told that the chief priests also had planned to kill Lazarus. For on the account of his experience of coming back to life from death, people are turning to Jesus and believing in Him. There be may be other reasons for seeking Jesus but we must seek Him for the right reason. And when we find Him, we must demonstrate our love in the best way possible.

What can we take away from this thanksgiving meal for Lazarus’ back-from-death experience? Don’t begrudge honor for the Lord. For that was what a heart like Judas Iscariot would do. There are three people here that we must emulate - Martha, Lazarus and Mary. Their different ways of honoring the Lord give us three ways to show our love for Jesus. Like Martha, we must serve Him with our whole heart. Like Lazarus we must fellowship with Him with our whole life. And like Mary we must pour out our worship for Him all the time. Extravagantly!