Honoring Jesus and Ministering to the Poor
John 12:1-11
Last November, we completed chapter 11 of the Gospel of John. It was a pivotal point in the gospel, leading up to Jesus’ declaration, “I am the resurrection and the life.” From chapter 12 onward, we are in the last week of Jesus’ life, culminating in His resurrection and then appearing to His disciples.
Jesus Is Honored for Who He Is
Jesus’ teaching and acts point to who He is.
Feeding the 5000 – “I am the bread of life” (6:35)
Heals man born blind – “I am the light of the world.) (9:5)
Only way for salvation – “I am the door of the sheep.” (10:7)
Compassion and authority – “I am the good shepherd.” (10:11)
Power of life – “I am the resurrection and the life.” (11:25)
Jesus Is Honored for What He Does
Most notable and recent is raising of Lazarus
Gracious to Mary
Jesus points to His death (including the cross and resurrection)
Jesus Is Honored when We Imitate His Compassion
How we understand verse 8 is crucial
Immediate context
References to other scriptures (Deuteronomy 15:11)
For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
Full context of Gospel of John
Witness of the other Gospels, especially parallels (Mark 14)
Broader context of scripture
