04-03-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 3, 2023
Guest Writer: Chip Bettis, CCCC Elder
Scripture: John 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint 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. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 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. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 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. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

Have you ever noticed how the people who have the most to hide or are the most corrupt are the ones who are quick to judge someone for doing something wrong? Judas Iscariot was the first to say that Mary was wasting money, not so he could help the poor but so he could steal it for himself, which he was known for doing. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen this happen when someone judges someone and then later on you find out that same person was guilty of doing basically the same thing that they were accusing someone else of doing. I really do believe that we tend to project our insecurities onto others when we should be focused on ourselves and the unconditional love of Jesus.

Awesome God, maker of all things in the past, now, and in the future, help me to always focus and keep my eyes on you when the rest of the world is focused on what others are doing or not doing for your Kingdom. Amen.