Great Plains Daily Devotional for 4/4/2022

John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

Do you think this was the first recorded conflict in the church? How often do you think the disciples not only quarreled among themselves but quarreled with Jesus directly?

People are people so we know it likely isn't the first nor will it be the last squabble among these first followers of Jesus.  

What do you think the disciples thought of Jesus' pronouncement that it was for the day of his burial? Do you think they had accepted that Jesus' was going to die?

Do you think Judas' imminent betrayal plays a part in this exchange?

Let us know what you think over on our Facebook page.  Discuss with other members of our conference (with thought and consideration of course) your thoughts and opinions.  We love to hear what everyone has to say!

Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8