John 12:1-11 · Jesus Anointed at Bethany

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. " 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

You Will Always Have The Poor With You…
John 12:1-8
Sermon
by Schuyler Rhodes
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Have you ever been in a situation where you have said something that got totally misunderstood? I remember once some years ago there was a horrible fire in a church in the community where I was serving. This fire burned the centuries old church to the ground. It was a beautiful example of older architecture and the people of the congregation loved the place. The truth, though, was that the congregation was in decline and it seemed like closure of the church was imminent. However, the fire did something. Suddenly, people emerged from everywhere, as the worship services moved across town to the high school gym. The choir grew, attendance surged and this church suddenly, inexplicably, took on a fresh spirit and new life.

One day a year or so after the fire, the chair of the church council wa…

CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Shout Joy to the Storm: Cycle C sermons for Lent and Easter based on the Gospel texts, by Schuyler Rhodes