Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
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The Triple Threat
One of the key notes of this verse is that this is the Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead in the previous chapter.
This dinner, for Jesus, was given by Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha.
Lazarus, of course was a key guest- but for the 2 sisters, the guest of honor was Jesus.
Mary’s actions were not difficult in form- the manner of eating was to recline with one’s head at the table and one’s feet pointing away.
Therefore, Mary would have no issue but to get to the feet of Jesus and do her work.
The issue is the amount of expensive ointment she uses.
It appears to be year’s worth of salary, perhaps all that Mary had!
This was perhaps all that Mary had.
but she presents it as an offering to Jesus of love and gratitude, certainly motivated by Jesus’ actions in raising her brother Lazarus to life.
The wiping of her hair on his feet was a matter of devotion and worship...
If everyone did not see what Mary was doing, they would very quickly smell it.
The fragrance would have filled the house quickly.
Her devotion was being shown before it was too late.
She was bringing roses to Jesus while he was alive- and not sending them to the funeral.
Notice that Jesus both commends Mary and defends Mary in this action.
Mary came to the feet of Jesus to worship him, as a slave would come to the feet of her master.
Mary let her hair down to wipe his feet… something no decent Jewish woman would ever do.
She was misunderstood.
She was criticized.
And she gave her best to the Lord in order to be misunderstood and criticized.
And if you choose to give your best to Jesus, don’t expect anything more than Mary got.
Please note- this is the first time you will hear a word out of Judas’ mouth in the gospels.
Note what he says;
It’s worth noting that, until the very end, Jesus’ disciples believed that Judas was a devoted follower of the Lord.
Jesus seems to appreciate, and allow for Mary’s act of devotion.
Jesus is anticipating his own death in this satement.
That is what is on his mind here in Bethany in the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus.
Jesus is not justifying the poverty Judas is addressing, but it was a statement to Judas: If you are really all that concerned about the poor, don’t worry, there will always be opportunity to help them.
It is probably worthwhile, at this moment, to contrast the attitudes of Mary with that of Judas.
Mary is offering her best to Jesus in worship, and Judas views that offering in its most base, utilitarian value- money.
You must wonder, at least I must wonder, how much did this rebuke of Judas by Jesus play in his decision to actually betray Jesus?
Or did Judas have a purpose from the beginning and Jesus was just a good pawn to serve his original purposes....?
The crowd response to Jesus brings a crisis to his enemies.
So many people became his followers, the priests determined that not only did he have to die but Lazarus would have to go as well.
And this brings me to my bottom line:
Well, bottom lines.
No, there are not two of them.
Triple Threat.
Three Bottom Lines.
Sit back; you will be ok.
First,
Working For Jesus Is Often Unrecognized Witness
Martha.
Remember Jesus words’ to Martha the last time Jesus visited this home:
Worship of Jesus Is Often Misunderstood Witness- But Never Misplaced Waste
Why This Waste? by the disciples...
Witness For Jesus- Use Words When Necessary
Lazarus never speaks in the Bible.
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