John 12 - Awkward Vulnerability

The Village Church

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In this sermon, I (Eric) explored the concept of vulnerability in following Jesus, drawing from the story of Mary of Bethany in John 12:3. Mary, defying the norms of her honor-shame culture, washed Jesus’ feet with her hair in public—an act where women were expected not to touch men, especially in such an intimate manner. This bold gesture was not just deeply revealing; it also triggered Judas to criticize the use of expensive perfume, suggesting it could have been sold to aid the poor, as noted in John 12:5. What resonates most about this chapter is how Mary’s act foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross. His declaration in John 12:32 of being ‘lifted up’ to save others from darkness and his response to the Greeks about finding life by hating it, as mentioned in John 12:25, are profound reflections on the path of true discipleship.

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The Village Church's sermon podcast is a weekly source of inspiration and guidance for the community. Authenticity is at the forefront of each episode, with Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, and Michael delivering sermons that are grounded in truth and filled with personal stories and real-life examples. The goal of the podcast is to make spiritual growth accessible to all, regardless of background or belief system.

Each week, the pastors explain different aspects of the Christian faith, exploring topics such as the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving, as well as more practical subjects like relationships, finances, and personal growth. They bring creativity to their teachings, making complex concepts easy to understand and inspiring listeners to live out their faith in new and meaningful ways.

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