FRAGRANT OFFERING

April 18, 2011

 

D A I L Y G O S P E L

 

To be physically able to see Jesus would be a tremendous blessing, but this is not really what the Greeks are asking for here. They want to be able to “see” Jesus in terms of understanding the message He proclaims. This is a much more important reality! How well do you and I understand our faith and comprehend the nature of God’s call upon our lives? In all probability the answer to this question is, “Not very well!” If this is the case then we need to be active in doing something about it. We need to seek a better understanding of our faith through prayer, study and service of God’s Word. How are you doing this in your life today?

 

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

Hail to you, our King; you alone are compassionate with our faults.

 

John 12:1-11

1 Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. 3 Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 Then Judas the Iscariot, one [of] his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, 5 “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” 6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. 7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 9 The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, 11 because  many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.