Schemes of Satan-15

Jesus is preparing for His final days on earth as the Christ. He came in human form even as He remained fully GOD! He was in total control. He knew and knows the hearts and thoughts of every man/woman. What were on the minds of the Jews after He raised Lazarus? Since Bethany is only about 2 miles to Jerusalem, the word spread fast of this miraculous event.

John 12:1  Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 12:2  So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 

The other gospels tell of Jesus being at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany. It is hard to know if there were two suppers or just one with both Simon and Lazarus present.

12:3  Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 12:4  But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, *said, 12:5  "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?" 

A denari is the wages for one day’s work. What would that be today? An annual year’s salary of just $48,000 would equate to around $200/day. That would put the cost of this rare and expensive nard at $60,000! It would appear that Lazarus was not a poor peasant but could afford such an expensive perfume. But, what is too expensive or rich for GOD?

12:6  Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. 

Judas the betrayer was also a thief. He was so good at deception that none of the other disciples were even suspicious of him. Such are the servants of Satan who still deceive the world.

12:7  Therefore Jesus said, "Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. 2:8  "For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me." 

Once again Jesus made it very clear that He would soon die. But, who really believed this? Who really believed in Him?

12:9 The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. 12:10 But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; 12:11  because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus. 

The crowd wanted to see Lazarus and Jesus. This was quite the attraction. But, it was all superficial attraction, soon to turn against Jesus. Well, this created a new problem for the Jews! So they decided to kill Lazarus as well! What had Lazarus done to deserve death? Well, people were flocking to see him and not to see the Jews. The Jews feared that their power and positions were in jeopardy.

Satan doesn’t tolerate anyone getting in his way. He has no care,concern, or love for anyone but himself. Therefore, he would have Lazarus killed and not think twice about it. But, Satan cannot overcome the will and plans of Jehovah! We soon discover just how Satan treats those who serve him.

More next Saturday.