The text for this week encourages us to understand the full impact of the last week of Jesus’ physical life here on earth. In John 12, we see Jesus being invited to the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, disciples and friends of the Lord. First key concept, how many of us hold our dearest relationships IN CHRIST? Almost one hundred references are used to display this precious place of serenity in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul reminds us of the “heavy fragrance of perfume” we can have as Brethren as we walk this narrow road in Christ. We can have faith (Acts 24:24), redemption (Romans 3:24), be made alive (Romans 6:11), and hold towards the gift of God in eternal life by being IN CHRIST (Romans 6:23). I personally believe this is what motivated Mary and those like her to offer unto the Savior their gift of sacrifice, acknowledging their source of salvation (Hebrews 11:4). Nevertheless, not all who know Jesus, offer gifts of penance, but many rather choose deceit. From John 12, we see Judas, one of the twelve, given eternal knowledge from the Heavens, being very human in a deceitful mindset. “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (John 12:5, NKJV). How often have you seen genuine acts of atonement, only to have them upturned by the misdirection of another? Why misconstrue? The Scriptures teach us that this man, this unremorseful man, did not have the heart of one committed to God! His mind was on worldly, earthly things, which ultimately can and will condemn your soul if left unabated (Acts 8:22-23). Notice the heart issue: “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” (John 12:6). How many in the Body of Christ are “modern Judas’”? It’s truly a daunting realization! Here is one who walked with God! Ate with the Master! Was given POWER from on High! And the ONLY thing he wanted was MORE…sad (1 Timothy 6:10). The gracious portion of this passage resides in the fact that God’s will ALWAYS be accomplished regardless of the actions or ill-advised participation of men (Acts 5:38-39). Judas lost his soul. Many of the chief priests as well (John 12:10). Deservedly so, others breathed in the pleasant aroma in the heavy fragrance of sacrificial perfume and won the victory which is only found in Jesus (John 12:11). Which disciple are you? Think upon these things and God bless,
Archie R. Green
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