Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Judge and the Lifeguard

John 12

In verse 3 Mary put expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus. In verse 4 and following, Judas made an observation that this perfume should have been sold and the proceeds given to marginalized people.
  • Does Jesus’ response in verses 7 and 8 surprise you?
  • Jesus notes worship is the highest priority for humans: to give, relate, serve, and connect with God. What are you giving up in your life (Mary gave expensive perfume) to worship God fully?


Verse 47 gives us the reason Jesus came to the world: For I have come to save the world and not to judge it. Many see God as a judge, wearing a robe, sitting above, and being isolated from people. This image leads us to believe God is aloof and uncompassionate. This metaphor is simply not the teaching of Jesus in John 12. In Christ, God is more like a lifeguard: saving people who are drowning in all sorts of trouble. Jesus was a person filled with compassion and hope. He died his life so that we could be saved. Not aloof, not isolated. But interested and present.

  • How have you seen God in the past: more like a lifeguard or a judge?
  • What are you drowning in now?
  • Pray for Jesus to save you and open yourself up to his offer of salvation.

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