Women’s Sermon – The Spirit of Judas
Scripture Passage
John 12:1-8 1Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5″Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7″Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
On the surface, John 12 is a narrative about Jesus Christ, but further investigation reveals so much more.
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him
First, the dinner party at Bethany was for Passover. However, this Passover dinner was Jesus‘s last one on earth. We are celebrating the fact that God took his children out of the slavery in Egypt! We are also celebrating that God sent a plague that killed all the firstborn children and first born of the livestock. We are remembering that in Egypt, God’s death Angel passed over us. In the book of Hebrews, the angle was named The Destroyer. In Egypt, the children of God were instructed to put the blood of a lamb upon the doorpost and the lentil. God’s chosen people were excited about leaving Egypt, so; they went out and search for the perfect lamb. Remember, they had to have one with no spots, no blemishes, and no injuries.
This dinner also celebrated and introduced Lazarus back from the dead. It was a true celebration of Thanksgiving. A number of people could have been present. There were people inside and outside of the house. Today, we would call this a church meeting with fellowship. This scripture has many layers of lessons.
3Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
We have one of the most obedient sacrifices recorded in Scripture. It is important and even imperative, because this act was performed by a woman with the most expensive gift of all. However, this act has a deeper meaning in scripture. It’s stretches beyond sacrifice and actually anoints Jesus Christ before his crucifixion on the cross. In the Old Testament men who were chosen by God were also anointed with God’s special anointing blend. It’s signific here, because Jesus was anointed by a women. Jesus is the game changer for women in the ministry.
It was said to be worth a years wages. Letting her hair down in public was almost a moral crime. This had significant meaning in her day. The ornament is symbolic to the Holy Spirit today. The aroma filled the church service and even could be smelled from outside. We are new creatures in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) When we were saved we buried the old man and now we strive to be a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1)
Lets go on… 4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5″Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
The third main point of John chapter 12 is the rebuking of Mary‘s expensive gift by Judas. Further investigation of this act leads to the character of Judas. All Christians must strive to be like Mary and forgo the bad characteristics found in Judas‘s personality.
7″Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
Finally, the scripture reports that Jesus came to the defense Mary. Jesus actually praises Mary for this thing that she has done for him; which, teaches us to give of ourselves to God and others in love and with pure motives.
The conclusion of the matter is that the dinner party at Bethany and its events lead into the climax event of the entire Bible. Jesus was getting his beloved ready for His crucifixion and resurrection. Within the narrative world of John’s Gospel Mary’s gift, along with Judas’s stinginess, had greater significance, because of how it participates in a series of developments.
These small developments in John chapter 12 include some of hat we alreafy discussed, but
- showing signs and wonders with the appearance of Lazarus,
- this being the last Passover dinner for Jesus Christ,
- the significance of Jesus as the anointed one is revealed,
- Jesus always comes to the defense of those who love him,
- fighting against the evil sins of the world,
- and showing victory of death lead to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, is the game changer for all in God’s redemption plan.
- Applications
Lets move onto some applications. I was given 3 of them and there found in several of my different books.
Men and women are free with liberty under grace and not under the law.
Application 1:
The first Application came from my newest published book: Women, Jesus, and Biblical Truth. This book was create to help women realize that they are also called to serve God. In chapter 15, the issue of women not being allowed to run a van ministry was ruled ridiculous according to God’s word.
Lets see- In John 12 we witness a house church service with fellowship! People came from all over came to see Jesus, the disciples, and the one who was once dead who is alive, and the entire town of Bethany. Jesus’s friends Mary & Martha were responsible for the service and the feeding of the guests. “Interesting Huh?” Women were in charge of the whole “shh-bang!” tis is what this book concentrates on, because it provides why men and women are equal in service to God and others.
Now, in the middle of everything, a women is the center of attention! Mary is permitted, by the one and only Jesus Christ, to sit as His feet and learn with the men! No doubt, that she was part of the class! She was at liberty to ask and answer questions. (Hallelujah! Women we are allowed to open their Bibles and read it!) God is not a respecter of gender! What He gives to a man He will also expose to a women.
New American Standard Bible
Gal 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
King James Version
Romans 2:11
For there is no respect of persons with God.
King James Version
Romans 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
This is echoed in from the OT to the NT!
Check out Joel 2:28 28”And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Acts 2:17-19 17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Then, came the man, Judas who of course opposed the woman! He reminded everyone that the oil cost about one year’s wages and she just waisted it! Judas (like many of mankind) was filled with greed, anger, and jealously! Judas was a thief and wanted to line his own pockets with the money! So, we can see that Christ loves all! He loves both the sinner and the saved. John 3:16 is true. Christ came to seek and save! He came to give us a new and everlasting life.
John 10:10
international Standard Version
The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. I’ve come that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Do you want to be like Jesus and give life or do you want to be like Judas and crush life, steal and slaughter?
According to this scripture women are permitted to be included in every aspect of the church.
Application 2:
Application 2 comes out of this book: Achieving Healing from God’s backyard.
It investigates the ointment Mary used to anoint the feet of Jesus.
Spikenard has many effects on the body and ancient people used essential oils as their medicine.
Today, many people are resorting back to holistic medicine,
Therefore, lets examine how ancient spikenard would have been used from the scalp to our feet. when spikenard is poured directly onto the scalp and hair it would have killed or repealed any issues of lice, parasites, and bugs. It is an affective bug repellant. This would’ve also stopped any type of scalp itch. It would’ve gave his hair a glow.
In addition, spikenard would have been soothing to the skin. Spikenard would also have prompted hair growth and reduced the chance of graying hair.
The smell of Spikenard is like a man’s cologne. This is the smell from the two diffuser upfront here. I usually pass it around to smell, but because of COVID 19 we can’t do that. When enhaugled it gives a calming effect to the body. It was used in ancient times in the temple oil lamps; which, is a whole other lesson.
Spikenard also been known to be a wrinkles eraser. Yet, it enhances the countenance by providing a healthy glow. The ancient people also used spikenard to help clear any infections; such as, ache bumps and minor cuts. So, we have talked about the hair, the face, and now lets consider abdomen. Spikenard is a very good Essential Oil, because it decreases gas and constipation discomfort. For example, by rubbing your abdomen with spikenard it helps your food digest and empty toxins.
Finally, allow your focus to concentrate on your eyes. If you have trouble with your eyes rub spikenard on your toes, because you can’t put spikenard into your eyes. Furthermore, to help digest food and increase peaceful sleep. -get this advantage when you rub two drops into the skin on the top of your feet.
Anointing Jesus’s feet would have provided him with a million dollar smell. Enhanced his digestion; which, was great, because it was right before dinner. It would have also allowed him to become clam and increased his concentration. While, helping him get a good night’s rest. What is great is that we can also get the same type of effects by using spikenard, but this essential oil is expensive. A small milligram is around 50.00. -but compared to other medications essential oils are cheap. If you need more information if videos all over youtube and connected to my facebook page
Application 3:
Judas committed the ultimate betrayal, he betrayed Jesus, and in this instance he was a thief. Judas made poor choices of his own free will.
Christian character does not include the character traits of Judas, but we can exhibit them. We too have free will. Bad character traits almost always show up in your inner circle of friends. The bad character traits in people will lay secret, but they will act like your friend and offer all manner of help to you, but they are not for you they are against you. Just like Judas.
The most dangerous spirit is not the spirit of lust, lying or stealing. The most dangerous spirit in the world is the spirit of Judas, because that is the spirit that killed Jesus, the savior of the world. And, if we do not watch that spirit, it will kill the Jesus inside us.
The Judases in the churches today are spiritual terrorists. We all have people with a Judas spirit all around us. I used to have a Judas at my job that gave me so much trouble and harassment that I had to request to move to a different department in the name of peace. I had to run away from her, like you will run away from a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Many of our so-called friends will look to run us down by going to tell a lie on us to our enemies. Judas was not satisfied with the money he was stealing from the bag of Jesus when he was his treasurer, he still wanted more money. The spirit of Judas is the spirit of greediness. Many of us are not satisfied with the money God gave us, we want more money like Oliver Twist.
He in our story was there to help himself. Judas wasn’t traveling with Jesus and his disciples to learn from Jesus or to help them, he was traveling with them to help himself.
- Therefore, people will also follow you to try to destroy you, your witness, and your ministry. It is not uncommon at all for the Spirit of Judas to show up at your work place, among your friends, even in your own household.
- You will see Judas show up in the lives of the people around you. It could be your closest friend or those you love.
- Oftentimes, we see Judas show up after someone dies to steal their inheritance.
- Judas felt he wasn’t properly compensated for whatever work he did: so, he just set up a little skimming operation and started taking what he wanted. All the while acting submitted, helpful, and devoted to Jesus and the disciples.
- Even church officials can act submitted, helpful, and devoted, but have other motives. We call these wolves in sheeps clothing. We see this all this play out so often on TV evangelists. Both the preachers and the followers get caught up, as Judas did, skimming from the top and betraying Jesus.
The question is: how are you betraying Jesus?
- Judas is a thief and the whole reason Judas protested about the lavish perfume offering Mary poured out on Jesus was, because he was skimming and he was angry he didn’t get to take some of that, too. What sacrifices have we not given for the ministry? Is that not being a Judas when we are not obedient?
- Sometimes, we feel we do not get credit or paid enough. We can fall into the habit of stealing from the company and we can become Judas.
( I once heard about a janitor at the hospital that stole all kinds of products. The administration caught him “red-Handed” and fired him.)
The crimes of Judas can be in the people around us, but if we do not guard our hearts then we may also fall into temptation snares.
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
in verse 12 we see one verse that when prayed God will always accept. He will always accept our apologies.
Then, Psalms 103:11-13 KJV tells us what God does with the sin we repent from.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a farther pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
This type of prayer puts us in the right relationship with God. It is one step in salvation, but a must in our Christian walk.
We are going to sing a verse of son and I would love to pray with you. Perhaps you need to pray about your sacrifice or being obedient. Maybe you need to pray for healing. Or maybe you are in need of a savior. Do you need to pray out the Judas in your soul.
As we sing please come.
Are you washed in the blood- Hayden can you get that on the PA system?
