Read: John 12:1-19
This
chapter begins the week before Passover, one week before Jesus was to die on
the cross. At first, we see Mary of
Bethany (Lazarus’ sister) anointing Jesus feet with perfume (v. 3). Judas objected that the money should have
been given to the poor (v. 4-6) but Jesus responded that it was appropriate
because it was preparing Him for His upcoming burial and that such a loving act
could not be performed later (v. 7-8).
The Pharisees are still plotting to kill Jesus and now they also want to
kill Lazarus, because through him many believed on Jesus (v. 9-11). The next day, Jesus enters Jerusalem and we
read of the Triumphal entry (v. 13-14).
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Judas wanted to sell the perfume yet the passage
later reveals that Judas was a thief and was in charge of the money, helping
himself to what was put into it. We also
know that Judas betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. We can clearly see how a little sin took over
his entire life and how his greed and love of money had a foothold in
Judas. It wasn`t that far of a stretch
for him to eventually earn a buck off of turning Jesus in to the authorities. Ask the Lord to show you any areas where greed
or money may have a foothold in your life.
Then ask Him to show you what this is doing to your relationships and
your future ministry.
2. Read Zechariah 9:9. This passage clearly prophecies the triumphal
entry of Christ into Jerusalem, yet John 12:16 tells us that Jesus disciples
did not understand. Jesus first coming
was clearly prophesied in the Old Testament and all the prophecies were
fulfilled yet many people at that time missed it. It is the same with Jesus Second Coming;
there are many Scriptures that prophesy of the End Times, yet many believers do
not recognize the signs of the times.
Spend some time in prayer, asking the Lord to open your eyes to the
Scriptures so that you can recognize the prophecies and relate them to what is
going on in our world today. Pray that
believes would embrace the signs of the times and that they would sense the
urgency and importance of repentance and living solely for Him.
