Oil for Burial

By Ed Pilapil Jr.

John 12:1-11 • April 28, 2024 • English Service 10:00 AM

Sermon Introduction

During a dinner hosted in Jesus’ honor, Mary wiped Jesus' feet with high-quality, expensive, scented oil and with her hair. Martha served while Lazarus reclined nearby. Some would point out that expensive oil poured over the head of a king was the common practice, but poured on the feet and wiped with hair was extremely rare. Mary expressed a deep sense of humility to honor whom she knew as the King and Messiah. Although it was true that Jesus reigned as God, the act of Mary, according to Jesus, was to prepare Him for burial. When the Israelites were in Egypt, they killed a lamb and painted the blood on the top and side of their doors so that judgment would pass over their house. Jesus was about to die as the perfect sacrifice where all who genuinely believe shall be saved.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

John 12:1-11

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me”. 9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

Notes

During a dinner hosted in Jesus’ honor, Mary wiped Jesus' feet with highquality, expensive, scented oil and with her hair. Martha served while Lazarus reclined nearby. Some would point out that expensive oil poured over the head of a king was the common practice, but poured on the feet and wiped with hair was extremely rare. Mary expressed a deep sense of humility to honor whom she knew as the King and Messiah. Although it was true that Jesus reigned as God, the act of Mary, according to Jesus, was to prepare Him for burial. When the Israelites were in Egypt, they killed a lamb and painted the blood on the top and side of their doors so that judgment would pass over their house. Jesus was about to die as the perfect sacrifice where all who genuinely believe shall be saved.

Judas, the Thief
John, the narrator, revealed Judas Iscariot's true nature. He was a thief who held the moneybag. He questioned Mary’s decision to wipe Jesus' feet with the expensive ointment. His words concerned the poor, but that was just his excuse.

4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it (John 12:4-6).
Application: Don’t be a thief like Judas, who gave a show of piety, but the motive remained impure. Instead, we show genuine devotion by humbling ourselves before the Sovereign Lord and Messiah. Like Mary, let us give our best with deep humility and service.
Poor, not the Priority
Jesus instructed Judas to leave her alone because her actions served to prepare Him for a burial. The centerpiece of history is the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Anything else, including the poor, is not the highest priority in the plan of God.
7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me” (John 11:7-8).
Application: Prioritize devotion and service to Christ by proclaiming His suffering, death, and resurrection. Helping others is part of Christianity but not its centerpiece. The center is the person of Christ and the significance of His work.
Kill to Silence
Many Jews came to see Jesus and Lazarus. It was difficult to ignore a man who raised the dead and the dead who was raised. The chief priests saw the growing number of followers of Jesus as a threat; they had to kill the message by killing the source. They wanted to kill Jesus, but now, they also wanted to kill Lazarus.

9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus (John 12:9-11).
Application: Prepare for persecution. Lazarus received His blessing, but some wanted him killed to silence the narrative. If we receive His grace and speak of it, then we will experience opposition. Let us remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and continue to proclaim the gospel.

Reflection & Discussion

What did Mary do and why was it significant?
Explain the difference of perspective between Judas and Jesus
Why did the chief priests want to kill Lazarus?