The Gospel of John: Fear and Love
John 11:45-12:11
The Plot & The Prophecy (11:45-57)
• The Pharisees & Jewish leaders react to Jesus’ sign with fear
- Fear of losing their personal status
- Fear of losing their national privileged position with the Romans
• Caiaphas, the High Priest calms them by plotting to have Jesus killed
- He speaks prophetically (v. 50)
- Jesus would die for the nation of Israel (v. 50)
- And for the Gentiles too (v. 51)
• They devise a plot to have Jesus arrested and killed at the upcoming feast of Passover
- Which serves as the background for all the events of the Passion week
• At word of the plot, Jesus withdrew to Ephraim
- But not for long
The Anointing (12:1-8)
• Lazarus’ family throws Jesus a dinner
– During which Mary cleans Jesus feet with expensive lotion and her hair
• A sign of utter love for Jesus(see John 13:1ff)
• Judas is outraged because of the cost of the ointment
– Feigning concern for the poor
– But really because he was stealing from the disciples ministry fund
• Jesus rebukes Judas
– Seeing Mary’s act as both one of love and prophecy
• She has just anointed Him for His upcoming burial
– While still claiming a need to care for the poor (v. 8)
The Plot Thickens (12:9-11)
• When the crowd learns that Jesus is back in Bethany, they report it to the Jewish leaders
• They then plan to kill Lazarus too
– Since he is a living witness to Jesus’ power and authority
– And many are believing in Jesus because of him
So What?
• The leadership’s fear drove them to have Jesus & Lazarus killed
– Fear of losing power and prestige
• Mary’s love for Jesus drove her to anoint and serve Him
• What drives us? Is it fear or love?
Meditation Verse: 1 John 4:18
Refocus: Community, Acts
Refocus: Vision various texts
Letters to the Church: Hinckley
Letters to the Church Laodicea Rev 3:14-22
Letters to the Church: Philadelphia, Revelation 3: 7-13
Letters to the Church: Thyatira, Revelation 2:18-29
Pergamum Revelation 2:12-17
Letters to the Church Smyrna
Letters to the Church: Ephesus Revelation 2:1-7
Chasing the Wind: The End of the Matter Ecclesiastes 11&12
Karl's follow up Sermon
Making Mud Pies in A Slum
Chasing the Wind: Wisdom & Politics. Ecclesiastes 9:18b-10:20
Ecclesiastes 9:1-18a Chasing the Wind: The Fate of All
Ecclesiastes 8:1-17 Chasing the Wind: The Work of God
Ecclesiastes 7:15-29. Chasing the Wind. The Search for Virtue.
Ecclesiastes 7, Chasing the Wind, What is Better
Ecclesiastes 6: Chasing the Wind, Seeking Contentment.
Chasing the Wind: Oppression & Friendship. Ecc: 4
Chasing the Wind: A Time for Everything. Ecclesiastes 3
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