Perceiving The Greatest Worth

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 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. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, ’Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ 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. Jesus said, ’Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me’" (John 12:1-8, ESV).

There’s a 22 year old American blogger or maker of reels in Facebook and has about 7 million followers. He features not dancing, singing or comedy skits. But he interviews the rich -- millionaires or billionaires. He would ask them their highest earning so far for one year, or the kind of business they have. He would also ask their age when they got their first million, or what advice they could give to a young guy like him. Sometimes, he would ask them if they had been bankrupt at one point in their life and how they get out of it. One millionaire responded that he was bankrupt before, not only once but twice.

Recently, my attention was caught, when an elderly billionaire confided that once he became also bankrupt. Then, he gave a very meaningful reply, when a follow up question was thrown at him. What would he do now, if he would become bankrupt again?

While he gave his answer, he glanced at his back, looking at a charming elderly woman (apparently his wife), and he proceeded to say: “Well, I am already old, and with somebody who is everything to me…!”

For the rich man, his wife has more worth than his billions that could be lost!

During this new year, what is the great worth that we could consider? As Christians, no matter what we could have in the days ahead, the greatest worth for us should always be Christ.

So, this time, let’s focus on the topic, PERCEIVING THE GREATEST WORTH while we study our text (John 12:1-8).

As we perceive the great worth of Christ, we will be motivated to do something. So, when we see or understand the worth of Christ, what are we going to do?

Before we proceed in our text, refresh our mind that the Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John. He addressed himself repeatedly in the book as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” He focused on the life, works and words of Jesus in His few remaining days on earth. He pointed out that Jesus is God. And he related the importance not only of believing, but also of loving Jesus.

Some verses before our text, we realized that when Jesus “unleashed” His word, there were at least two glorious effects, especially if it is directed to us. First, we accept it. Second, we act on it.

Also, when we consider God's Sovereign Work, we understand that it creates appreciation in the heart, and it “overrules” man’s evil intention.

Now, in our text we learn that when we are aware of the worth of Christ, we will be moved to do something. This time, we’ll just focus on one thing. So, what will be the effect on us, if we are aware of the worth of Christ?

DISPLAY OUR GREAT LOVE FOR CHRIST (verses 45-48).

We read verses 3-5, “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. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, ’Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’"

In verse 1, we read that Jesus came to Bethany. That’s the place where Lazarus was staying and where Jesus performed His miracle before, when He raised Lazarus from the dead. So, Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, knew the worth of Christ. They knew that Jesus was the Resurrection and the Life. They witnessed the power of His Word. When Jesus said, “Lazarus come out,” Lazarus came out of the tomb. And even before that incident, they were aware of Jesus’ love for them.

And we can also have a glimpse of the bravery of Jesus in coming again to Bethany. In chapter 11, we read that authorities in Jerusalem issued His “death warrant.” Instead of remaining in the place of Ephraim, Jesus went to Bethany, which is near Jerusalem. To meet His death.