Finding ourselves in this story of a dinner party with Jesus

By Dean Collins

No matter how hard we try to see the future clearly, our vision is always much clearer looking back than looking ahead. Consider the writers of the four Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote their accounts after the fact and not before the stories and events occurred. Their accounts give us a view of what they were thinking along the way, but they wrote fully knowing that Jesus had conquered the grave, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and Pentecost did happen bringing a dramatic launch of the church. What they didn’t see were the same things we cannot yet see, namely our life’s end and the complete transformation and restoration of all things.

Playing their roles

The apostle knows full well the path and the fate of the five characters mentioned in the first several verses of John 12. He also knew the intentions of the chief priests and the crowds as they gathered just before and throughout the triumphal entry. He knew with certainty that those who gathered in close proximity to Jesus have mixed motives. Some come in adoration (Mary), some with inclinations to serve (Martha), and some amazed to be alive after a stinking few days of death (Lazarus). I suspect Lazarus was the most relaxed person in the crowd. I picture him as one with a twinkle in his eye or the one who knows what’s in the Christmas box before it is opened.

There was one, Judas, who portrayed himself as the one most concerned for the poor yet was, according to John, stealing money and would become the world’s most famous traitor with his act of betrayal.

Of course, Jesus was there. He is the centerpiece of this story and the cornerstone of all scripture and of human history. He came for a dinner party in the home of his friends. There was cause for celebration. It is not every day that you have dinner with a friend who died several days ago and is now telling stories from the grave. Yet notice that everyone is acting within their roles and personalities. I suspect Martha for instance would have served as host no matter what the circumstances. Judas would have always been gaming the system. Jesus is always the pure one in every place and every conversation.

John described the others in the story as a large crowd that included the chief priests. They came, according to John, to see Jesus but also to see Lazarus. I suspect Judas could have charged admission for the crowd to see Lazarus! The chief priests came but were trying hard to figure out how to do away with Jesus and Lazarus.

Our roles, too

On any given day, I suspect all of these roles are still being played out everywhere that Jesus is extending his kingdom. Of all the roles played in this story, it seems that adoration and service might be the most spiritually grounded options. But we should remain humble and diligent in our pursuit of God’s wisdom, love, and grace. Or we could slip into less noble roles. Praying that God’s kingdom come here as it is in Heaven will prevent us from becoming curious spectators more than faithful disciples.

Sadly there remain those who still stand against Jesus and his kingdom. The apostles who wrote the epistles have warned us of false teachers and those who will persecute those who chose to follow Jesus. Our daily prayers, our pursuit of scripture, and our love for each other are our best defenses against false teaching and will keep us faithful until our last breath.

Thank you, Father, for saving us. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for entrusting us with the role of spreading your good news both near and far. We pray that our words and actions bring a sweet fragrance to you and to those we encounter today. We lift up our brothers and sisters across the globe who even today are persecuted for their faith. Give them strength and courage to trust you with every breath. We surrender our lives today to you. Use us as you will. Amen.

Your time with God’s Word
John‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV

Photo by fauxels at pexels.com

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