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
"What's In a Name?" Matthew 1:23 - 25 June 7, 2020
"Tongues of Fire!" Acts 1:6 - 11, 2:5 - 3 May 31st, 2020
"Memorial Day" May 24th, 2020
Into the Tomb" May 17th, 2020
"Celebrating Mothers" May 10th, 2020
"Three Crosses" April 19th, 2020
"An Empty Heart" March 15th, 2020
"A Fitting Question" March 8 2020
March 1 2020
"On-God: God's GPS System for Man"
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"An Unwavering Walk"
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"The Sanctity of Human Life"
"The Sound of Silence"
"What We Resolve"
"His name shall be called Prince of Peace"
"His name shall be called Everlasting Father."
"The Colors of Christmas"
"His name shall be called Mighty God"
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