Decision Time
Notes
Transcript
A Time of Political Intrigue (11:45-53)
A Time of Political Intrigue (11:45-53)
The response to the resurrection of Lazarus was a dividing line in the ministry of Jesus.
A Plot to protect position and power.
12 The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright; 15 their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.
Their scheming and plans actually brought about the will of God to offer redemption to all mankind!
A Time for Personal Decision (12:1-11)
A Time for Personal Decision (12:1-11)
The deciding point of these week has reached all the way through history!
How Christ’s followers respond to Him.
Martha served Jesus with her Work
Martha served Jesus with her Work
Unlike the previous visit in Luke 10, Martha is not begrudging of Mary’s worship of Christ. She is grateful for Jesus raising Lazarus and expresses it in her behind the scenes service.
Lazarus served Jesus with his Witness
Lazarus served Jesus with his Witness
Lazarus’ witness is relational. First, in fellowship with the Lord and then in fellowship with others.
Lazarus’ witness is Christ focused.
Lazarus’ witness is effective, he is a living testimony to Christ! “My name is Lazarus...”
Mary served Jesus with her Worship
Mary served Jesus with her Worship
Worship involves sacrifice!
Worship involves sacrifice!
Very costly spikenard - a perfume worth 300 denarii (a years minimum wage - $2,000 in Haiti to $20,000 in Arkansas)
It represented something precious to Mary. Perhaps her dowry. Perhaps something she was keeping for a special occasion. Perhaps it was even intended to be used for Lazarus.
She could think of only one use. Anoint the head and feet of Jesus!
Worship is selfless!
Worship is selfless!
She wiped his feet with her hair, an act of self-denial and genuine love. Not even a servant would have stooped to such a level.
Worship is significant to Christ!
Worship is significant to Christ!
You always have the poor with you, but not me.
Christ received her worship as signifying his burial!
Worship centers on the person and work of Jesus!
Judas saw it all as a waste, because of his greed!
How will you respond to Christ?