In a recent sermon our pastor used the town of Bethany for his outline. He began with Simon the leper’s house. Simon had been healed of his leprosy and had much to be thankful for. It was here that Mary anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped them with her hair. In John’s account (John 12) we find that Lazarus was in attendance after having been raised from the dead and that his sister Martha was serving.
As the pastor spoke of the worship that took place at Simon’s house I jotted down, “But Simon had a son…” Simon may have thought all was well with his son. After all his son was not only one of Jesus 12 disciples but he had been given a special trusted position in the group.
After Mary had poured the ointment on the Master’s feet, Simon’s son objected saying that this had been a waste. No doubt the expense of this ointment could have been put to better use. John adds commentary about Simon’s son at this point that was not known at the time of the event. Though Jesus rebuked him the disciples probably did not pay much attention to his comment.
There could possibly be many reasons why the disciples were unconcerned about his statement. Some no doubt agreed with him. It may have been that others were too concerned with who would be the greatest in Christ’s kingdom, after all they argued about this often during the Lord’s ministry on earth. Some may have been intoxicated by the aroma of Mary’s offering of worship. Whatever the case the eleven did not detect that bitterness was growing in the heart of one of their own.
In introducing the statement made by Simon’s son John writes, (John 12:4 KJV) “Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him…” Yes, that’s right, Simon’s son was Judas the betrayer! What a tragedy! Here was an individual who had seen the power of God and yet turned his back and walked away.
How many young people have walked out the door of our churches turning their back on Christ that we never suspected because we did not listen to the cry of their hearts. They attend church faithfully and become a vital part of the youth program. They get involved in youth camp and may even go to Bible school and then one day they just disappear.
The problem does not start when they walk away. We must be careful to pay attention to the seemingly insignificant signs. We cannot afford to become so involved in our own worship, service, or even church politics that we fail to notice what is happening with the next generation (or any for that matter, after all we are our brother’s keeper).
This is not to say that all have missed it. There are good parents, pastors, youth leaders/pastors, Sunday school teachers, and children’s church workers who have had young people go astray. It is no fault of their own for each youth must ultimately decided for his/her self. I simply want to remind us to be vigilant in guarding our youth.