Sunday April 7th, 2019 5th Sunday in Lent John 12:1-8
"You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." (verse 8)
Years ago, I taught a high school Christian Ethics course regarding the life of Jesus. It was a challenge, because some students were more knowledgeable than those who had little or no exposure to Christianity. One part of the course, which was tough for everyone, involved statements Jesus made about himself.
Some claims are from the gospel of John and seem grandiose as we are often distracted from feeling eternity in today’s fallen world. The claim to be the source of eternal water (John 4:10) may seem foreign and be void of meaning.
Yet everyone knows about the poor. Mother Teresa helped them, and Nelson Mandela stood for the oppressed. Yet in verse eight, Jesus states that Mary has done the right thing-to honour him rather than give food, money or aid to the poor. A common response from students conveyed a sense of arrogance on Jesus’ part. He should be honoured over the poor? Yes, it appears outlandish, but six days later Jesus paid the price for all and to prove it, he rose from the dead. He was not just a teacher or nice man but our God and Saviour. Jesus was not boasting, he was telling the truth.
Gracious God, may all of our gifts and efforts be honouring to you. Amen. — MDB
Contributed by He said what?
Years ago, I taught a high school Christian Ethics course regarding the life of Jesus. It was a challenge, because some students were more knowledgeable than those who had little or no exposure to Christianity. One part of the course, which was tough for everyone, involved statements Jesus made about himself.
Some claims are from the gospel of John and seem grandiose as we are often distracted from feeling eternity in today's fallen world. The claim to be the source of eternal water (John 4:10) may seem foreign and be void of meaning.
Yet everyone knows about the poor. Mother Teresa helped them, and Nelson Mandela stood for the oppressed. Yet in verse eight, Jesus states that Mary has done the right thing-to honour him rather than give food, money or aid to the poor. A common response from students conveyed a sense of arrogance on Jesus' part. He should be honoured over the poor? Yes, it appears outlandish, but six days later Jesus paid the price for all and to prove it, he rose from the dead. He was not just a teacher or nice man but our God and Saviour. Jesus was not boasting, he was telling the truth.
