Leadership Lessons from the Party

Introduction

A story so important it is covered by all four gospels.

A story not always recognised for the wicked family web that lies beneath

A story of shame, guilt, love and sacrifice

John

John 12:1–11 NKJV

1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” 9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

Passover

John 12:1 NKJV

1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead.

Our first lesson comes from the timing of party.

Jesus arrived in Bethany to stay with Lazaras, Martha and Mary six days before the Passover.

The party happened two days before.

A time of remembering the story of old, that is ever so relevant today.

A story of choices. A story of hardening ones heart, or submitting to the will of God. A story that shows sometimes, people need to be dealt with harshly by God to have any chance of repentance.

This is the context of our story, at the party. A story of willing to relent or harden ones heart.

Pharaoh 9 times hardened his heart as God gave warning signs.

The tenth time, the first born of all Egyptians, including their livestock died.

Just down the road, the Israelites were not harmed, why

Because of the blood of the lamb.

There is power in the blood, there is still power in the blood to perform miracles, for salvation, for redemption

Joke - Sabbath School Teacher teaches the children that there is nothing God cant do. Everything is possible with Jesus!!! She goes around the class room asking each of the children, “Can God do anything?” “Yes Miss”, was the reply. Then she gets to little Johnny, and she asks, “Little Johnny, can God do anything?” Little Johnny replies, “No Miss”. She is indignant and tells the highlights of her talk once again. “Little Johnny”, she asks again, “Can God do anything?” “No Miss” he replies again, “He can’t see my when I’m covered in the blood of the lamb!!”

Remember Damon, there is wonderful power in the lamb. Power to heal, power to cast out demons, Power to Save!!

Simon the leper and Pharisee

Simon threw a party for Jesus

Simon the leper as he is called in Matthew and Mark is throwing an extravagant party presumably because he has been healed of lepreousy and because of Lazaras being resurrected from the dead.

Its about his social standing - many people are visiting to see Jesus and to see Lazaras

Its about his social standing - many people are visiting to see Jesus and to see Lazaras

Its about his social standing - many people are visiting to see Jesus and to see Lazaras

With leprosy, he was a cast out. Not aloud to be near people. He would have lost his position as religious leader.

With leprosy, he was a cast out. Not aloud to be near people. He would have lost his position as religious leader.

As a spiritual leader, sometimes you can be up one day, and down the next. Sometimes you are called for today, but not called for others.

Damon, this church recognises that you have been called by God to this role of Elder.

Second lesson from Simon is it is so important to remember where you have come from. Simon, by the thinking of the time, was a sinner to have contracted leprosy. Here he is getting upset in the book of Luke questioning whether Jesus was even a prophet because he allowed this woman to touch him.

We are all sinners, and in need of Jesus. Simon had let the position he held blind him this fact.

Martha

Martha served. We need more workers in our church!!!

We are reminded of the lesson she has already learned when questioning Jesus about Mary sitting at his feet.

We need to sit at Jesus’ feet before we go out and serve. Dont let the business of church leadership distract you from kneeling before your Saviour.

Lead as the Holy Spirit prompts - to do so means sitting at Jesus feet daily.

Lazaras

He was dead!!!!

John 12:9 NKJV

9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.

Where Jesus is, there is resurrection and life!!

If Jesus had not called Lazaras out of the grave by name, ALL the dead would have rised!!!!!

At times, you will feel as though your service is dead. Remember that Jesus is the resurrection. He will restore you in dry times.

Mary

No one would sit next to her - she is only here because she is family. Lazaras is at the table, Martha is serving, she is only here because of them.

Simon despises this young lade

EGW and others suggest it was Simon who is responsible for her former profession!!

Mary by contrast, gives a very special gift where no-one else has

Mary heeds Jesus saying he is about to die when nobody else has

Mary gives a lot, she washes and kisses Jesus’ feet and anoints him for burial. Simon did not do this as it was his responsibility to do (organise for washing of feet and kiss him as an honoured guest).

A lesson from Mary is when you see someone messing up, take them to Jesus

Judas

His name means praise, but here he is not

Mathew & Mark blame the disciples for questioning Mary; Luke focuses on Simon, John tells us of Judas’ involvement.

Judas is Simons son!!! Wealthy, in charge fo the estate while dad had leprosy, yet wanting to take from the coffers

Leaders, Damon, we need to lead with all integrity!!!

ELDERS AND CHURCH LEADERS MAKE SACRIFICES FOR JESUS, WE NEVER SACRIFICE JESUS FOR OUR OWN STANDING.

CONCLUSION

As church leaders, we are called to:

be covered by the blood of the lamb, remembering its power

remember we are called for but a season

remember that we are no better than any other

work hard, but never before sitting at Jesus’ feet

find resurrection in Jesus

to sacrifice everything, regardless of what others say of us

lead with integrity

AND WE CAN ONLY DO ALL OF THIS AS WE FOLLOW THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT