9/9/18 - The Worthiness of Jesus - John 12:1-11

The beginning verses of John 12 contain what is perhaps the most devoted, loyal, and affectionate act ever done by an individual for Jesus. The woman's name is Martha. She gets it. She sees what others don't. She recognizes the man in front of her will die for her. So she demonstrates his worthiness by killing her pride and giving her best. WOW! What an example. To follow Jesus is to be like Martha. It is to say, "You alone are the one who is worthy of my obedience and all that I have." Just to prove this point - imagine buying a birthday gift for a friend and spending a year's worth of your wages on the present. This is what Martha does for Jesus. The beginning verses of John chapter 12 contain what is perhaps the most misguided, shortsighted, and deviant act ever done by one who claimed to follow Jesus. The man's name is Judas. He doesn't get it. He is blinded by sin. He attempts to rob Jesus of his worthiness. He demonstrates this by telling Martha her act of love is wasted on Jesus. WOW! What an example…to avoid. To be like Judas is to say, "Money, fame, popularity, there are plenty of things in this world that are worth more than Jesus." Eventually Judas will sell out for 30 pieces of sliver - about $200 in today's money. Martha gave in to the worthiness of Jesus and her life came alive. Judas denied the worthiness of Jesus and his life came to a tragic end. How worthy is Jesus to you?