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Anointed for Burial (John 12:1-11)
John Low, 8 January 2017
Part of the The Week The World Changed series, Sunday Evening service
At the start of the last week of Jesus' ministry while he was still very much alive, he was anointed in preparation for his burial which we now know was only a few days away. The circumstances were highly unusual, especially in the context of that time, with a woman unloosening her hair in public and using hugely expensive perfume, while Judas is offended by the waste.
It was certainly a precursor to the events of the week as the authorities plot against Jesus and close in, but it also tells us something about our priorities and approach to sacrificial service.
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
|---|---|---|
| « The Triumphal Entry | Faith and Fruitfulness | The authority of Jesus » |
John 12:1–11 (Listen)
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.
(ESV)