Read: John 12:20-36

The scene this passage from John sets for us is scripted for dramatic effect. Tell me you don’t immediately visualize how verses 21-32 play out as you read them. As an exercise in constructive confrontation befitting a spiritual leader, however, I think the Lord could have handled the situation with a mind toward more generally accepted HR practices. Rather than “out” him as a betrayer in front of his peers, wouldn’t dealing with Judas one-on-one have been preferable? One could argue, of course, that public humiliation was a small penance for the one who sold out the only Begotten Son of God for a few pieces of silver.

If I may linger on the topic of “leadership by example” for a moment longer, I know that this is going to seem petty of me, but I can’t help but feel that Jesus is exhibiting some passive/aggressive behavior. Imagine instead re-writing verse 26 as, “Jesus answered, ‘Listen up, yo! There’s something important I need to say to our brother Judas here, and just so y’all are on the same page with this, I’m saying it in front of you as well.”

Of course, what these admittedly irreverent musings ignore (besides the fact that there was a time not all that long ago when I would have been burned at the stake for expressing them) is the fact that what transpired between Jesus and Judas, as the Lord himself freely admitted, was nothing other than the fulfillment of scripture. From that standpoint, it’s a bit creepy to think that Jesus was colluding with the devil. Between the sacrament and Satan, Judas didn’t stand a chance — which is why I had some compassion for him even before I saw “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Lord, keep me strong in faith and in covenant with you and with all those with whom I enter into relationship. Amen.
-Michael Boss

Read: John 12:20-36

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.

They came to see Jesus just days before his death. They had heard of this man who went from town-to-town healing, listening, and telling the people about the loving God. He accepted each person, no matter what station in life or how wealthy or poor. Each was a beloved child of God.

Jesus was leaving this earth, and he expected his followers to take on his work. They would be his body on earth, as we are today. He wanted the unbelievers to see him in us. We are to be his agents, his representatives, even his icons, as we point the way to Jesus and try to be as he was in his days on Earth.

How much of Jesus do we show to the World? Do we show kindness, healing, and acceptance to everyone we meet? Even those we find difficult to like? It is not an easy task, but it is ours. When questioners say, “We wish to see Jesus,” do they get to see him? It is up to each of us to make sure that they do.

Holy One, we asked that, with your help, we are able to show forth your love through your Blessed Son. Help us to be like him in every way and to your glory. Amen.
-Penny Worrell

Read: John 12:1-11

In this passage in John’s Gospel, we hear the story of Jesus receiving a gift from his friend Mary of Bethany.
The scented oils that she uses are expensive. Can you imagine how Mary would have felt if Jesus had said “oh you shouldn’t have …” or “I can’t let you spend so much on me!”

But we do this all the time to our friends and family, don’t we? They go out of the way to get us something special, and we tell them “it’s too much” or “I don’t deserve it.”

During Lent, we are following the life that Jesus led not just in ministry but also how he treated his friends. That is a clue about his leadership. He showed us how to be a good friend, didn’t he? He showed us how to allow others to give us gifts. He accepted these loving moments with his whole heart. And I think his friends and followers could tell that he was a humble and appreciative person, making him not only a charismatic leader but a warm and grateful friend.

It is not about “humility” when someone gives us a gift. It is about following the model Jesus set forth for us – to be a good receiver. I can imagine the warm smile on Jesus’ face and the love Mary felt in receiving that smile.
-Margie Adams