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John 11:55-12:11 (ESV)
55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him. 12:1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” 9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
Have you ever seen someone overwhelmed by their emotions? I’m not thinking about an angry outburst or being overcome by sorrow and grief. I’m thinking of someone who is so deeply convicted in their heart, someone who is so moved in their spirit that they are stirred to action in a way that completely and unexpectedly catches you off guard.
That’s what happens at this dinner scene, but before we get to this dinner scene, let’s take a moment to realize where we’re at in John’s Gospel. This is the last week in Jesus’ life before His crucifixion and resurrection. This single week takes up nine chapters in John’s Gospel, that’s almost half of John’s Gospel, and everything has been leading up to this point from the moment that John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
What’s amazing to realize is that it all begins with an awkward moment at a dinner party.
We’re familiar with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary by now. They are a family that is especially close to Jesus and they are sharing a meal with Jesus and fulfilling some familiar roles. Martha is serving everyone, Lazarus has been sitting with Jesus and being served by his sister, and Mary…
Mary is overwhelmed and serves Jesus in a completely unexpected way. To those who are watching, what Mary does is socially embarrassing, or controversial, or breathtaking.
The embarrassment comes when Mary wipes Jesus' feet with her hair. To do so would mean that she would have to let her hair down which, in that cultural context, was provocative. In our context, it would be as if a woman was overly flirtatious in a very public setting.
All eyes would be riveted to the scene.
Most would be embarrassed by the display and wonder what message Mary is sending.
But not Judas. For Judas, what Mary does is quite controversial, and he reacts with false outrage. However, John reveals Judas’ true motivations to us.
Jesus' response would have been a bit baffling to everyone. “‘His burial?’ What does Jesus mean? Jesus isn’t dead. You only anoint those who have died.”
I believe that like Caiaphas, this is a prophetic statement on Mary’s part through her action of anointing Jesus, although she most likely doesn’t realize the prophetic implications.
In just a few short days Jesus will be crucified, and His burial will happen so quickly that there won’t be the opportunity to anoint His body, so the anointing takes place now.
The dinner scene is completely stunning, and we’re left with a great question, “Who are you in this scene?”
Are you like Martha and the disciples, feeling embarrassed by Mary’s actions and baffled by Jesus' response?
Are you like the angry and scoffing Judas, masking your own shallow selfishness with self-serving righteous indignation?
Are you like Mary, unapologetically worshipping Jesus with your whole heart and not counting the cost?
Or are you wondering what it all means, especially as the words of John the Baptist echo in your thoughts today? “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Who are you in this scene?
God bless you and know that you are constantly in my prayers.
Scott
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