Big idea: Some people don’t think Jesus is worthy of worship. What do you think?
Why Jesus Is Worthy (John’s portrait)
- Creator: No existence without Him.
- Redeemer: No forgiveness without Him.
- Provider: No good gifts without Him.
The Text at a Glance
- Aftermath: Jesus has just raised Lazarus (11:1–44).
- Immediate split: Many believe (11:45); others report Him (11:46).
- Council’s decision: “If we let Him go on…” → plan to kill Jesus (11:47–53).
- Passover buzz: People watch for Jesus; arrest order issued (11:55–57).
- Dinner at Bethany: Martha serves, Lazarus reclines, Mary anoints; Judas protests (12:1–8).
- Escalation: Leaders also plan to kill Lazarus (12:9–11).
Quick Notes (for context)
- The dinner: Likely Saturday night before the crucifixion at Simon the leper’s house.
- Parallel accounts: Same event in Matt 26 and Mark 14 (different emphases). Luke 7 is a different dinner.
- John’s irony: Caiaphas says, “Better that one man die…” He means politics; God means salvation for the nations (11:49–52).
“No” — When People Decide Jesus Isn’t Worthy
- The leaders (animosity): Witness a resurrection, then plot to kill the Life-Giver (and Lazarus) to keep power (11:48–53; 12:10).
- Judas (apathy masked as virtue): Calls costly devotion a “waste,” cloaking greed in concern for the poor (12:4–6).
“Yes” — What Worship Looks Like in Bethany
- Martha: serve — Practical, faithful, needed service (12:2). Ordinary ≠ unspiritual.
- Lazarus: enjoy — Reclines with Jesus (12:2). Unhurried fellowship is worship.
- Mary: surrender — Shocking humility (at His feet, with her hair) and shocking sacrifice (~300 denarii, about a year’s wages). Jesus: “Leave her alone… she did it for my burial” (12:7–8).
Posture → Gestures
Posture: “Jesus is worthy of all my worship.”
Gestures: The daily choices that either align with—or contradict—that posture.
How It Lands for Us
- Believe: Jesus is worthy. Don’t let cynicism or convenience set your theology.
- Repent: Where have you called costly worship a “waste”?
- Serve (Martha): Pick one tangible way to serve Jesus’ people this week—home, group, or Sunday team.
- Enjoy (Lazarus): Schedule unhurried time with Jesus—word, prayer, quiet gratitude.
- Surrender (Mary): Offer something that costs you (time, status, money). Let it “smell” like devotion.
- Witness: Some will call it a waste; let your worship point them to the Worthy One.