Tag: John 12:1-11

Monday in Holy Week, 06 April 2020 – Psalm 36;5-10, Isaiah 42:1-9, John 12:1-11, Hebrews 12:1-3 ~ Keep your eyes on Jesus

Monday in Holy Week, 06 April 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God, whose most dear Son suffered pain and was crucified before he was raised to joy and  entered into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the Cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Psalm 36” – Exodus Road Band

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 12:1-11 (NLT)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate[a] with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 42:1-9(NLT)

The Lord’s Chosen Servant

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth.
Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out.
He created the earth and everything in it.
He gives breath to everyone,
life to everyone who walks the earth.
And it is he who says,

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness.
I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel,
as a symbol of my covenant with them.
And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind.
You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.

“I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols.
Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again.
I will tell you the future before it happens.”
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A Reading from the Epistles: Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT)

Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
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Intercession:

Sovereign God, Maker of heaven and earth and everything in it: We come to You in the name of Your Son Jesus for mercy and help –

+ Breathe out Your life-giving Spirit into us, that we may endure the challenges of this pandemic with equanimity and grace….

+ Bring justice to our nation, convict us of our sins, that we may repent and turn to You as one nation under God….

+ Strengthen the weakest among us and make things right for all those who have been wronged…..

+ Keep our eyes on Your Son Jesus, that we might not falter or lose heart during this time of trial….

+ Guide us and guard us in the path of righteousness, that Your people might be a light to the nations….

Sovereign God, to You belong all glory, honor, and praise. We worship You!

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Turn Your Eyes- The Glorious Christ (Sovereign Grace Music)

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Closing: Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday of Holy Week: 15 Apr 2019 – Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11 ~ chosen to demonstrate righteousness

Monday of Holy Week

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening Sentence:

O God, King eternal: Your light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning. Drive away from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to obey your Word, and guide our feet into the way of peace. Fill us with your Spirit that we may do your will cheerfully during the day, so that when night comes we may rejoice and give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Reading from the Old Testament – Isaiah 42:1-7 (NLT)

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.

“He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. And it is he who says,

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.”
_________

Reading from the New Testament -John 12:1-11 (NLT)

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
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“Psalm 27 (One Thing)” – Shane and Shane

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Closing Prayer:

Almighty God: Your beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion, before entering into the joy of glory. In your mercy, grant that we too may find the way of the cross to be the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 12 Feb 2019 – John 12:1-11 ~ the price of devotion

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 12:1-11 (NLT)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
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Morning Reflection:

In an act of selfless devotion, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume during a dinner held in his honor. The occasion was Jesus’ return to Bethany prior to entering Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover.

Everyone was there – Mary, Martha, Lazarus, family friends, and the disciples (including Judas). And in the middle of it all, Mary expresses her love, and devotion, and gratitude to Jesus – uniquely, in her own way. And for this she paid a price –

+ Her finances – the perfume was worth a year’s wages. How much would that be in today’s currency? How long would it have taken her to save enough to purchase it? How long would it take for you to save a year’s wages?

+ Her pride – foot washing duties were assigned to servants. But Mary took it a step further by anointing Jesus’ feet, and then wiping his feet with her hair. Mary “let her hair down” without embarrassment or concern for what her guests might think.

+ Her reputation – Judas’ virtue signalling was couched in concern for the poor, when in fact he was the one skimming from the community purse. Disdaining Mary’s devotion to Jesus, he demeaned her reputation to enhance his own.

But Jesus would have none of it:

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial.
You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
– John 12:7-8

Mary’s devotion to Jesus was costly – finances, pride, and reputation. And so it is today.

Questions for consideration:

  • Do you consider yourself devoted to Jesus? Please explain.
  • Can you think of a time when your devotion has been costly? Please explain.
  • How do your finances relate to your devotion to Jesus? Please explain.
  • How does your pride relate to your devotion to Jesus? Please explain.
  • How does your reputation relate to your devotion to Jesus? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Lord Jesus: I confess that I hold myself in reserve in my devotion to you. My finances are held in reserve for emergencies and retirement. My pride inhibits me from worshiping you with abandon in public. My concern for what others will think inhibits me from speaking the truth, even in love, to those who might disagree. Please forgive me and set me free from my reserve and inhibitions that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
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“All To Jesus I Surrender” – Robin Mark

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: 21 March – John 12:1-11 ~ the anointed King

Monday of Holy Week

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence

Jesus said: ‘My soul is sorrowful to the point of death. Wait here and keep awake with me.’

Morning Reading: John 12:1-11 (NLT)

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus — the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

Mary anoints Jesus' feet

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor — he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.

Morning Prayer

Christ my Savior: you went up to Jerusalem to redeem me by your death and resurrection. Lord, have mercy on me.

+ You endured the passion and entered into glory; lead me by way of the cross into eternal life.
+ Your heart was pierced with a lance; heal the wounds of my human weakness.
+ You made your cross the tree of life; share your victory with me.
+ You gave salvation to the repentant thief; pardon all my sins.

Almighty God, have mercy on me. Grant that I, who am constantly betrayed by my own weaknesses, may draw the breath of new life from the passion and death of your Only-Begotten Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

“Jesus Lover of My Soul” – Hillsong

Closing Sentence

Now sentence is being passed on this world; now the prince of this world is to be overthrown.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!