Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 5, 2023

For the Day of My Burial

John 12:1-11

1. Dinner Is Served 1-2

• after raising of Lazarus and conspiracy to kill Jesus
• six days before Passover at Bethany and emphasis on raising of Lazarus
• Martha serves and Lazarus reclines

2. Mary’s Costly Display of Love 3

• emphasis on costly oil/perfume
• anointing the feet and wiping them with her hair
• fragrance fills the room

3. Judas’ Indignation about “Waste” 4-6

• Iscariot, disciple, one who betrayed
• his question: 300 denarii to the poor people?
• exposure of his motivation: uncaring, thief, pilferer

4. Jesus Commends Mary 7-8

• command to leave her alone
• connection to burial of Jesus
• contrast between presence of the poor and presence of Jesus

5. Intensified Opposition 9-11

• plot to kill Lazarus
• Jesus: not a tragic victim but a voluntary sacrifice

6. So What?

• Because Jesus poured Himself out for you, pour yourself out in love for Him.
• “It’s beautiful when the worth of Jesus and the love of His followers match…when the value of His perfections and the intensity of our affections correspond.” (Piper)
• “Social activism, even that which meets real needs, sometimes masks a spirit that knows nothing about worship and adoration.” (Carson)
• “Broken and Spilled Out” (George/Gaither)