SERMON FOR THE SEASON OF LENT: LOVE FOR JESUS OR LOVE FOR YOURSELF? (JOHN 12:1-8)
“Love is not love if it calculates the cost. Love gives everything it has, and its only regret is that it does not have more to give.” That is what Mary did for Jesus. Mary gave what she had, what she loved, and what was very precious to her. She gave her best to the Lord. Mary in this story is a woman who was not only faithful in listening to the teachings of Jesus, but also practiced His teachings in real life. Mary knew that there was not much time left to be with Jesus because His death was very near. The way of the cross was already before Him. And in those last moments, Mary showed her great love for Jesus.
Mary took half a liter of pure nard, a very expensive perfume, and poured it on Jesus’ feet. Then she wiped His feet with her hair. Nard was made from the root of a special plant and was very popular among the Jews. It was very expensive and usually used for beauty, for burial, as medicine, and in priestly service.
According to Judas, the perfume Mary used could have been sold for 300 denarii. One denarius was a daily wage for a worker. So 300 denarii was equal to one year’s salary. But Mary did not think about the price. She gave what was valuable to her for Jesus. She did something different from most people at that time. When many people were starting to hate Jesus and the Jewish leaders were planning to kill Him, Mary showed overflowing love for Him. Mary honored Jesus beyond the common custom of that time. In Israel, when a guest came to visit, the host would wash the guest’s feet with water and dry them with a towel. But Mary did not use ordinary water. She used expensive perfume. She did not wipe His feet with a towel, but with her own hair. Hair is a woman’s crown. Mary’s action was a symbol of giving her whole life to Jesus.
Judas did not agree with what Mary did. He said it would be better to sell the perfume and give the money to the poor. It seemed like Judas cared about the poor, and it sounded similar to Jesus’ concern for the poor. But Jesus rebuked Judas (John 12:7). Jesus said, “Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” Mary’s action was a very high honor to Jesus. It was not a waste. Judas looked like he loved the poor, but actually he did not. He did not love the poor, and he did not love Jesus. Judas only loved himself. He appeared generous, but he was greedy. The Gospel of John tells us that Judas was a thief because he used to steal money from the money bag (John 12:6). Judas was like a corrupt man who showed false sympathy for the poor—like wrapping something rotten in beautiful packaging. He valued the perfume at 300 denarii, but he valued Jesus at only 30 pieces of silver—the lowest price for a slave.
Mary showed love to Jesus. A great love without counting the cost. A love that honored Jesus before His burial. Judas, on the other hand, lived for his own interest and self-love. The attitudes of Mary and Judas are a choice for us. Which one will we choose? To love Jesus or to love ourselves? To honor Jesus or to seek our own benefit? To show sincere love or fake sympathy? Mary’s action is an example that God wants us to follow, especially as we reflect on the suffering of Jesus Christ during these weeks of Lent. God bless you.
Belum ada Komentar untuk "SERMON FOR THE SEASON OF LENT: LOVE FOR JESUS OR LOVE FOR YOURSELF? (JOHN 12:1-8)"
Posting Komentar
Hai, sahabat DEAR PELANGI ... silahkan memberi komentar sesuai topik dengan bahasa yang sopan.