Jesus' Mission

 

    Jesus went to Lazarus' house six days before the Passover.  The group had dinner and honored Jesus. They unknowingly prepared him for what he would be facing in a week.  The dinner was humble and about fellowship.  

    Judas spoke up because he felt like Mary was being wasteful, but all he really did was reveal the greed he had in his heart.  When Jesus is present there is no room for greed.  There is a time and place for everything and everything passes away in it's time.  Jesus had saved Lazarus from death's grasp. but it was just for now.  He would die again eventually.  Jesus' message is life needs to be full of love and purpose, but also preparation for the eternal.  Mary did what was right.

    Jesus returning to Lazarus' home put them both in the spot light of the Pharisees who wanted to kill them both because Lazarus was the one raised from t he dead.  If he was dead for real, then the story would die.  Granted, no one could touch Jesus or anyone under his protection without him allowing it.  The Pharisee's goal was to kill the faith.  Ironic since their whole job was supposed to be about faith.

    There will always be poor people, but there is only a small window of opportunity to have salvation.  Jesus cared about the poor, but he cares more about eternal life.  Don't focus so much on trying to make this world a better place.  There is only so much you can do.  Plus, we know it will get much worse before it can be really purified.  

    Pray and work, but keep things in an eternal perspective.  Don't try to save people's lives or comfort.  Try to keep that window of opportunity open for eternity with Jesus for as long as you can. (This is a heavy conversation that deserves a lot more time, so I recommend the book "When Giving Hurts".  It puts it in a healthy perspective.)

    The next day, on Palm Sunday, Jesus had his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  It was meant to be a grand entrance to declare here I am.  It is meant to open our eye so that we place our faith in Jesus.  Understanding will come in time, but the time for faith is now.  There is no good reason to wait.  The worse off you are, the better it is for you.  You find redemption and healing.  Being better will come in time.  When it come to character, things don't change over night.  It is one step at a time and working on it with God every day.  

    Jesus came to this world to be a sacrifice to open the window of Salvation for you.  Do you really think he was excited about being tortured and enduring  the most unbearable things?  He did it because he loves you.  He did it because that is why he came.  It was decided before the world was even created.  It is what brought the ultimate judgment upon this world.   Jesus' death was when Satan really realized he was cast out.  He was defeated, but he is still fighting.

    Truth Jesus and believe in his sacrifice even if you don't completely understand it.  Faith is more important than understanding.  Don't let fear stop you from making the most important choice of your existence.  Do not let anyone block your way to Jesus.  This is your eternal life we are talking about.  Let other people make their own choices for their eternity and you make yours.  Then try to clear a path to share with other people, so that they may be able to make the choice for themselves.

    Jesus came to save the world, but that does mean separation.  It brought division.  People still argue the same arguments.  His sacrifice brought judgment, but that judgment is not until death.  We are not blind to the truth.  It is out there and ignoring it will not be an excuse on judgment day.  Jesus leads people to eternity.

John 12