The Value of a King

Introduction

What does it mean that something or someone is valuable? Historically value has been tied to pleasure, and opposed to pain. How does someone or something become valuable? It produces pleasure and avoids pain.

How does someone or something become valuable?

PP

FCF: Is a world void of pain more valuable than one with pain and pleasure?

PP: Jesus is the most valuable thing in this universe and beyond. What does that mean for us?

What makes Jesus Valuable? (vv1-3)

John 12:1–3 ESV

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Recap of vv 1-3

Recap of story:

John sets the stage for the rest of the chapter showing a beautiful interaction between Jesus and the thankful family of Lazarus for what Jesus has just accomplished in showing his power over death.

Jesus is invited to a special thank you dinner. And as the dinner progresses John cuts the description of the sinner short by focusing on Mary. Mary takes it upon herself to show her love for Jesus in a special way. She takes, what might have been her most valuable item, a jar of very expensive perfume, and pours it over Jesus. This account is written by other gospel writers as well with minor detailed differences. In mark we learn that she poured the perfume on Jesus’ head, which flowed down to his feet. John concentrates on what is going on at Jesus’ fee exclusively.

The reason for this is, because for John he is concentrated on Mary’s humble posture towards Jesus. In the middle east dinner is not served at high tables, it’s more like in the east today, people dining together would recline around a table to enjoy their meal and fellowship with one another. When Mary brings the perfume to Jesus, she stoops down so low as to bow down before Jesus granting her access to his feet. She then does the unthinkable for a Jewish woman in the first century, she lets her hair down and uses it to wipe away the access of the perfume from Jesus’ feet. Mary’s acts are truly beautiful, personal, and telling about how valuable she considered Jesus to be.

Jesus’ Value is Intrinsic.

What that means is this, Jesus value, his goodness, his splendor, is not derived from anything or anyone, it is bound to his nature as the second person of the trinity. Paul the apostle put it like this in his letter to the church at Colosse:

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”

Philosophers for centuries have discussed how to identify intrinsic value. And many have tried to create a way to analyze and discover what is intrinsically valuable. G.E . Moore in the 18th century came up with a test that is still in use today. He says, intrinsic value are those things that left to themselves, or were placed in isolation to other things, still hold there intrinsic value, for their nature in and of themselves.

Aristotle had an example he would test with his students to discover and establish intrinsic good. He would ask the, if someone was being robbed in a dark ally and you saw it, would it be good, would there be in value in helping them? The sensible person would say yes. Then when asked why that is good, something like, it is good to help people in need, would be the answer. But then the question is why is it good to help people? The answer would be because helping people is good. But again the question is why is that good? Eventually the person being asked the questions either, walks away from the conversation with a headache, or the only answer the person is able to give is, helping people is good, more valuable, because it is more valuable, period the end.

From the Christian perspective this line of thinking is admirable. And the reason why is because it shows that value, or the good has an ultimate stoping point. And for the Christian that ultimate stopping point, is bound in the nature and character of God himself. Why is serving others, loving others better than ignoring them? Because God as the highest value, the highest good reflects this quality in his character. Jesus as the second member of the trinity shares this value intrinsically with his father, and the Spirit.

God expresses his value to us in time and space.

Priest

The way that God does this is through the mediatory offices of Prophet Priest King. These are God’s offices, that he calls ordinary people, to communicate his value and goodness to the world. Jesus as God’s final mediator, his greatest representative he operates from all these offices as they have been meant to be operated from. As God’s prophet he speaks clearly Gods word revealing the truth about him, as a priest he mediates between God and man, cares for the souls of his people. And as the King he leads his people into his victory over sin and death. In this chapter John is most concerned about highlighting Jesus kingship.

King

There is a reason that John uses the phrase, Mary anointed Jesus with the perfume. If he was just conveying the idea of wiping perfume on him, he could have said that, but there is something else going on here. The way that Mary is worshiping, Jesus, bowing down before him, offering him her most valuable thing is akin to the way, a loyal servant would offer themselves to their king. Mary, is rightly, admiring Jesus as the promised, long awaited King.

Before a King assumed his throne in the history of Israel they would be anointed by a prophet, or a priest. It was a sign of consecration. The individual was being separated from common use to be used for the purposes of protecting and leading God’s people. Whether Mary fully understood exactly all of the theological implications, John makes it clear, that in the same way that John the Baptist, baptized Jesus, identifying him with the people he came to save, and beginning his earthly ministry. Mary is now anointing Jesus as the King, who is going to lead his people out from the hands of their oppressors, just as was prophesied in the Old Testament.

Why is it difficult to Value Jesus?

1 Samuel 10:1 ESV

1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage.

Now the greater David has come, and he will lead his people into their final victory. Although his victory does not first lead him immediately to his throne, but rather a cross. This Mary understood as she prepared his body for his funeral. Little did she know she was also preparing his body to take his final victory.

Why is it difficult to Value Jesus?

Why is it difficult to Value Jesus?

Jn 12:

John 12:4–6 ESV

4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.

Whether you are a religious person or not it is easy to see Judas has a point here. John records a stark contrast betwen Judas and Mary. Mary sees the value of Jesus, and takes her most valuable possession and instantly gives it all over Jesus. Saying with her actions you are the valuable one, here is a small token to represent your value. The only value that Judas can see is money that could have been earned by selling the perfume.

To put the value of the perfume in perspective, John writes it cost 300 deneri, which was more than a working man yearly wage. When Jesus is about to feed the 5,000+ people, the disciples make the comment, “even if we had 200 denari, that wouldn’t be enough to feed all these people. So 300 denari we could safely assume could feed around 5000 people. And this is what Judas brings up. Now John is quick to remind us that Judas had no intentions of actually feeding the poor, he only cared about what he could skim off the top, but his point is a valid point.

The Mosaic law that governed the life of the Jew was very clear, giving to the poor is a mandate.

Deuteronomy 15:11 ESV

11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

Yet, Jesus quickly defends Mary’s actions to Judas, and the rest of the disciples. “Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” For Jesus, in this period of time when he was in person with his disciples what Mary is doing is the right thing. Her humble worship, and showing the value of Jesus in this moment, is more valuable than selling the perfume for the poor. Judas doesn't understand this, and more telling he hates this.

Humanism Distorts Jesus’ value.

Humanism is outlook or system of though that places primary importance on humans (people) rather than deities or gods. The idea can be traced back as far as the fall itself. Why does the first man break fellowship with God in the garden? Why does he disobey God? Because he didn’t believe God had his best interest in mind, he believed he could focus on himself and provide a better path. This becomes the basic heartbeat of man and woman after him.

The system of thought really gained momentum during the era of the renaissance. The influence of the church was loosened and the idea of man’s destiny was in his own hands gained much momentum. Humanism is alive and well today and its advocates have not only influenced those with disdain concerning the church, it’s influence has also spread into the church as well. Today we are more humanist in our views of the world than we would like to admit.

This is why out first reaction to Judas comments are, wait a second he has a good point. For the humanist, or even a person entrenched in a humanistic culture buying into its ideas don’t understand worship. Their prerogative is people. “Your going to spend how much on that building?” “Your going to pay that pastor how much?” “Your going to spend how much on a jello slide for the kids?” Don’t you know how many people that money can feed? Do you know how many more scientist we could pay to conduct research? Don’t you know how many vaccinations your could make for that?”

And in 9/10 cases their objections are warranted. But there premise is based on an assumption that worship is second class to social preservation. But what happens if worship is not second class, what if worship was the primary importance for humans?

What is the Trajectory of Humanism?

Humanism concerns itself with the physical needs of a person and society. They make sure that the disadvantaged have bread in their bellies, roofs over their heads. But are physical needs the only needs that humanity has? What about humanities need for worship? Humanist laugh at this, but the stats alone show, the world as a whole is becoming more religious, seeking something to worship, not less. And the humanist has no answers.

Humanism focuses only part of the human experience. The physical experience. But humans are more than merely physical beings. We are that and much more, we are spiritual beings, which the humanist will deny. The strength of the Christian position is that it takes into account, God has made us with physical and spiritual needs, and he has supplied for all those needs in himself. And the greatest provision he has given us is his son. Jesus is the most valuable thing under heaven, and inside heaven. To believe this, to see his value, makes Christians more humanistic, than any humanist who denies the need of humans to worship. Valuing Jesus does not make us less human, it makes us more human.

What does Valuing Jesus look like for us?

Mary knew something of Jesus’ pending death. But she also knew he was the coming King who had been sent to conquer sin and death, establish his kingdom and bring hope to the world. And in this moment, her actions were intended to worship him, to value him for who he is and wha he came to do. There is no way she knew all the details that were about to unfold.

Yet Jesus commends her actions, and defends her before the other disciples. “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it, for the day of my burial.” What does Jesus mean by it, that she may keep it, for the day of my burial? He is either referring to the leftover perfume, or he is speaking of the memory she is creating in her actions right now. Due to the amount of perfume that has been poured on Jesus, and the power of the aroma in the house the later explanation is most probable.

This moment in time where Mary gave to Jesus the most valuable thing she owned, and he commended her, she will carry with her for the rest of her life.

John 12:7 ESV

7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.

I imagine we all have memories that stand out in our heads that have shaped us to who we are today. And they probably involve other people we deeply love and value. I remember the time sitting on the porch telling my dad at 16 that I wanted to be a pastor. I was terrified, I didn’t know how he would respond. My dad never had money, he wanted his kids too. My dad was an entrepreneur, I think he wanted to keep that spirit alive in us kids. But I remember his response like it was yesterday. He immediately started crying, and flung his rough arms around me. I will cherish that moment for the rest of my life. Similar but different I remember asking Alisa to marry me. Heart pounding, sweat dripping, eyes watering, I asked her and my life was changed for the better forever. I rememberer when each of my kids were born. Having so much love and care for a tiny human that I had never had a conversation with.

We all have memories like this that even if we try, we can’t forget. They have shaped us, molded us, made us who we are today. Mary humble, bent down, wiping the perfume off of Jesus feet as it dripped on the ground was on of those moments that would shape her life for its duration. Mary is saying you Jesus are the most valuable thing in my life, at the same time Judas is saying what a waste.

(Gospel) But even according to the Law of Moses my question is was Mary really violating the law? Was she wasting her precious gift in this one time gesture? I don’t think so in fact I think she is total compliance with the law. The law requires opening wide your hand to the poor person in the land. To the person who is without to the person in need of help. In the coming days, Jesus will become the poorest person to ever live. This is the way he assumes his throne, this is the way he achieves final victory over sin and death in his kingdom. And Mary anoints his for this task.

(Gospel) He will be without a home, without food, without basic essentials. He will be drug through the town, and even his own life will be taken away from him. And more than all that, on the cross, he will endure the very wrath of God. He will take the punishment his people deserve, and he will die lonely, afraid, despised and rejected. He will be the poorest man to ever live. And he assumes this poor state, to make us rich. Not with gold and silver, but with the most valuable intrinsic good we can ever obtain. The very pleasure and presence of God himself.

jn 12:

Where do we go from here?

We have two choices.

Either we side with Mary that Jesus is the valuable king our hearts have been made to worship, or se side with Judas, and find our valuables elsewhere. There is no in-between.

We have two choices.

We have two choices.

As I was reminded again this weekend by one of my heroes Richard Pratt, our hesitation to Christianity, to truly enjoying and valuing Jesus is the haunting thought that if we give ourselves to Jesus, we are automatically giving up other things. So the idea is scary to us, because we think of all the loss in other things we will experience. I know the thought process, because I play the tape all the time in my own head.

To value Jesus the way he ought to be valued means, I no longer have absolute control over how I spend my money, how I spend my time, who I decided to become friends with. It changes how I handle my sex life, how I treat my boss, interact with my coworkers. How I parent my kids. How I take care of my aging parents. There is no aspect of life that is not effected, if we are going to value Jesus as he ought to be valued. And this is scary.

To value Jesus more than anything else in our lives is our highest duty and delight as humans. We don’t value Jesus because of the gifts he gives, rather for the person that he is. We don’t come to Jesus because he is a nice addition to our already great lives. He don’t come to him so that he will make us rich, or improve our social network. We come to him because he is the king of the world. We don’t come to this king because he will add value to our lives, rather we come to him because knowing him is the greatest value we can experience.

How do we value Jesus? How do we do this? Simply put we value Jesus, by being satisfied in and enjoying Jesus, for himself alone.

One pastors (John Piper) tells a personal story to illustrate this:

He says, today is my 49th wedding anniversary. What if before I got home today, I stopped and picked up 49 roses for my wife. When I get to the house I ring the doorbell and when my wife answers the door, I tell her happy birthday. She then says, Oh thank you so much, but this is too much, why such an expense? What if I responded, Well I’m your husband, this is my duty to you as your husband. How would she feel? She would feel dishonored. She would feel devalued.

But rewind the scene, what if I ring the doorbell holding the flowers, and this time when she asks, why such an expense I say, “Expense? I couldn’t help myself. And I have plans for us tonight, put on a nice dress, I’m taking you out for dinner, because nothing would make me happier than spending the evening with you.

Then he makes an important observation. Does his wife get angry because he said he was doing these things because it makes him happy? No gestures and time spent with her because it’s a husbands duty devalues her. But spending time with her because she is his joy, because he values time with her, and he values her presence above all else, her worth is magnified because he am satisfied in her.

This is what it means to value Christ. When we value Christ, duty turns in delight.

Has there been a time in your life, where you have valued Jesus like Mary here? Or do you devalue Jesus by making things more important than him?

Either we side with Mary that Jesus is the valuable king our hearts have been made to worship, or se side with Judas, and find our valuables elsewhere. There is no in-between.

Either we side with Mary that Jesus is the valuable king our hearts have been made to worship, or se side with Judas, and find our valuables elsewhere. There is no in-between.

Conclusion