Monday, April 14 ~ Reconciling What Is Broken
~~John 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
~~Imagine yourself in the room with Mary, Martha, Jesus, Judas and the others. Really. Take time to place yourself there. Become aware of the setting, the people, the emotion and the conversation. Read and reread the scripture carefully.
We are just a few days away from the time of pilgrimage to Jerusalem. People throughout the land have been saving their drachma for a life changing visit to the Temple. The children can feel their heart beat a bit quicker, sharing the anticipation of their parents. Adventure is in the air. The Passover will be remembered and celebrated.
They will remember when Israel was enslaved in Egypt. The angel of death passed over the Israelite households and descended in terrible fury on the Egyptian households. The visitation from the angel of death was God’s final challenge to the Pharaoh to let his people go.
Passover was the culmination of persuasion. Finally, there was a brief moment of permission from the Pharaoh for Israel to be on their way. They escaped into the wilderness and began their forty year journey to the Promised Land.
Jesus is preparing for his entry into the Holy City and his final act of intercession for the people. A bridge of saving grace will be the new avenue to oneness with God.
They crowded into the room, reclining, sitting upright, making themselves small. Jesus and Mary sat at table with each other. There was chatter, whispers and grunts, hungry looks, necks craning just slightly, but not too obviously, to see if the lamb and lentils were ready. Food was served in bowls and on plates and platters. The house smelled like a Middle Eastern version of thanksgiving. The steam rising from the kitchen made the air warm and moist.
Mary made no announcement. There was no ceremony. Her extravagant outpouring of adoration filled the room. Her worship was spontaneous, yet carefully planned. The expense was anticipated. Money was gathered in. A purchase was made which was once in a lifetime. The price she paid was stunning.
A hush fell over the guests. Neither Mary nor Jesus spoke. The gift and her posture said all that needed to be said. The nard was a witness as its aroma wafted into every nostril and could be apprehended by passersby. One sniff and the sacrifice made was evident to all. Mary’s sacrifice would be a glimpse of the future sacrifice to come.
Even Judas’s objection, sounded, well, thin, after everyone there saw Mary empty herself emotionally and spiritually to become one with her Lord.
Jeff W. Bell