Making Jesus Christ Preeminent (Number One)
Lessons from the Bethany Family
John 12:1-11
Only one life, 'twill soon be past’
Only what's done for Christ will last
For me living means living for Christ
(Philippians 2:20)
Colossians 1:15-18
Questions
According to the Bible, who is the greatest person that has ever lived?
Why is he the greatest person?
Matthew 11:1-11 (NLT)
Questions
What is the first recorded statement of Judas Iscariot in the Bible and when did he make the statement?
How many times was Jesus anointed with oil (perfume) in the gospels?
Discuss the anointing incidents in the gospels? Luke 7:36-50; (Early in Jesus Ministry. Mary, Simon the Pharisee)
John 12:1-11, Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13 (Mary of Bethany, 6 days before the last Passover/5 days before crucifixion, Simon the leper)
A believer named in all four gospels who won many souls (a witness) with words but never performed a miracle? John the Baptist
A believer named in the gospel of John who won many souls (a witness) with words but never performed a miracle? Woman of Samaria
A believer named in the gospel of John who won many souls (a witness), but never said a word (we have no recorded word from this believer)? Lazarus
The believer that will always be remembered wherever the gospel is preached and why the believer will be remembered? Mary of Bethany
The believer who is noted for inspiring Jesus to declare I am the resurrection and the life? Martha of Bethany
Facts about the Bethany Family
The family (at least one member of the family) is mentioned in all four gospels Luke 10:38-42; John 11, John 12:1-11, Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13
The family members were Martha, Mary and Lazarus
Siblings, believers and lived in the same house
Lived in Bethany (A town in Judea, 2 miles from Jerusalem)
Loved Jesus, (friends of Jesus)
Opened their home to Jesus many times Jesus base was in Capernaum (Galilea)
Lazarus was sick, died, buried for 4 days and Jesus raised him from the dead
Martha is known for her service (work) to Jesus
Mary is known for her devotion (worship) to Jesus
First Mention of the Bethany Family
Luke 10:38-42
Second Mention of the Bethany Family
John 11:1-7, 17-27, 32-35
John 11:40-48; 53;
Third Mention of the Bethany Family
John 12:1-11
Key Passage for today’s message John 12:1-11
Lazarus made Jesus preeminent by
His Witness
Some facts about Lazarus
He is mentioned by name in John’s gospel
He died and was buried for 4 days
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead
Grave cloths were unwrapped from him and he was given new cloths
Sat at dinner table with Jesus
Her Work (Service)
Some facts about Martha
She is mentioned by name in two gospels (Luke, John)
She welcomed Jesus to her home (Luke 10:38)
She worked hard and served Jesus at least twice
The first time she served Jesus she was frustrated that her sister did not help (Luke 8)
The second recorded service was without complaint John 12
She made Jesus preeminent by her work (service) to him
Mary made Jesus preeminent by
Her Worship (devotion)
Some facts about Mary of Bethany
She is mentioned by name in the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
The accounts involve the three visits from Jesus
Mary is always at the FEET of JESUS in the gospel accounts
Fist account: Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. Luke 10:39
Second account: John 11:32
Third account: John 12:3
Mary is Always at the FEET of JESUS in the gospel accounts
Fist account Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. Luke 10:39
Second account: John 11:32
Laid her Burden at his feet John 12:3
Mary gave Jesus her Best
Public, spontaneous, sacrificial, lavish, personal, unembarrassed
Jesus called it a good work (Matt 26:10, Mark 14:6)
Jesus commended her and defended her
Her sacrifice was worth a year’s wage
Like David Mary will not gives the Lord that which cost her nothing
