John 12:1-8. Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b-14;
Last Sunday, I was very moved by the intergenerational worship service. Many people tell me they are very proud of our children. I feel grateful that I can see hope and the future of our church.
We are all currently in the midst of Lent. In particular, today’s message is a series of very solemn words. This happened the day before Jesus entered Jerusalem. Just before that, Jesus visits Lazarus’ house. Mysteriously, in today’s reading, Mary pours perfume on Jesus’ feet. The Gospel of Matthew records differently that it was poured on Jesus’ head. This perfume is called Nerdo in Hebrew, and it is also known as Valeriana perfume. By the way, this was not produced in Israel at the time. At that time, people could only obtain what was made in India through traders. Of course, even today, to buy good Valeriana perfume, you have to pay at least $500 per lb. Moreover, the perfume offered to Jesus was of the highest quality and was worth 300 days’ wages of a worker at the time; therefore, we can infer that a year’s wages were poured out for Jesus. That’s a lot of money. She spent a year’s salary in one moment.
When we think about it rationally, we can not understand it. If I were there at the time, I wouldn’t have been able to understand Mary’s actions either. But Jesus explains. These are verses 7 and 8. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
These are the words of Jesus that pierce my heart. Even with Judas Iscariot, among the disciples who lived together for three years, no one prepared for Jesus’ future more accurately than Mary. Among the actions of Jesus in the past, they only looked at miracles and splendor. They only thought about their status, wealth, and fame. They were unable to meditate on the meaning of each step Jesus took toward Jerusalem.
However, Jesus shows God’s plan very symbolically here at Bethany, where Lazarus was risen again. He said. “Mary is now preparing for my burial.” However, Jesus, who overcomes even death, prepares for death. That’s very ironic. The disciples did not understand Jesus’ words at this time either. Rather, because many people began to believe in Jesus through Lazarus, chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well. I think that through this symbolic scene of Jesus revisiting Lazarus’ house, he was showing his disciples that there is a new stage in Jesus’ path after death. So. My entry into Jerusalem is a path to death. But it clearly shows that it doesn’t end there.
Mary took part in this. The important thing is this. She made holy consumption and holy offerings to participate in God’s work. I can’t understand it rationally. However, the church’s ministry and mission are similar in this regard. From the world’s perspective, it is unwise to donate money, time, or talent to the church. They cannot understand rationally. As you all know, you are a little older than I am. Nevertheless, many people dedicate themselves, like young people, to the missionary work of the church. A month ago, two church members invited several people to Shrove Tuesday. Some of them visited the Church. If you look purely at economic value, it is efficient to buy several pancakes from Albert’s restaurant next to the church and give them to them. This is an event that requires the time, talent, and financial resources of many members. But what we can remember is that we participate in the Lord’s ministry to invite them. We also find their experience visiting our church invaluable. It is also essential for us to continue our training as disciples of the Lord. This way, we can become more rooted in Ross Street and understand the area better. This is holy spending. And it is a sacred seed.
The Psalmist sings: “5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”
Israel’s seasons are hot and dry, lasting from April to October. Additionally, the rainy season continues from November to March as Mediterranean winds blow. Surrounding Jerusalem are the Judean Desert to the west and the Plains of Israel to the north. So, Samaria, located approximately 170 km northwest of Jerusalem and east of Galilee, is a granary of various grains, including fruits and nuts. However, as we well know, there are desert-like areas to the right of Israel. On the way from Jerusalem to Jericho, there is a dry valley made of sandstone called Wadi-Qelt. When it rains here, it turns into a river. The same goes for the Negev mentioned in verse 4 of Psalm. It’s like a desert. During the dry season, many areas, including this one, become wilderness. Seeds need to be sown in the spring, but there are times when rainfall is insufficient. However, if farmers miss this period, they have to sow it during the drier summer months. Then, their chances of harvesting decrease even further. Even if there is a water shortage now, significant losses are expected in the future, so farmers must rely on God and sow seeds.
Of course, the original Biblical word for seed here could be interpreted as a costly seed or a massive sack of seeds. This is a very precious seed. But they put their hope in God and sow it generously. Not everyone can guarantee the growth and harvest of these seeds. But God makes a promise to us. It is through the psalmist and the Word. They will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Although the seed sown may have high value from the farmer’s perspective, God promises more significant results.
Yes. We will sow the seeds of the gospel in the past, present, and future. Sometimes, people in the world or rationally may have doubts or skepticism. And if we only look at one aspect at that moment, we may think that efficiency is low. However, Jesus became a farmer himself and planted the gospel in Israel and humankind. And now he has taken root in our lives as the seed of the gospel itself. We are all the result, and at the same time, we are also the seeds. Let’s run towards Red Deer, Alberta, and the rest of the world. God’s prize will be yours. Amen.