The Anointing at Bethany John 12:1-11

Review A week or two earlier, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead –Mary and Martha were sisters of Lazarus Since Lazarus was raised (and even before then) the Jewish leaders had been looking to kill Jesus –Command had been given to report Jesus’ location to the Jewish leaders Jesus spent the last week or two at a small village –Now with Passover approaching, He returns to the vicinity of Jerusalem

Introduction Although Luke records a similar incident (Lk 7:36-50) it is NOT the same incident –Luke’s incident occurs early in Jesus’ ministry Happens in the house of a Pharisee Involves an unnamed, sinful woman Although Matthew and Mark also record a similar incident: Matt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9 –This incident takes place 4 days later Involves anointing the head Happens in the house of Simon the leper Involves an unnamed woman

Setting John 12:1-2 –John tells us when Jesus returned to Bethany 6 days before Passover, would have been the Saturday before the crucifixion A complement to Jn 11:54 –Jesus comes to dinner Martha, Lazarus’ sister, is serving –Something Martha was always much concerned about (Lk 10:38-42) Lazarus is at the table (either host or guest) –Since Jesus is the guest of honor, more likely Lazarus is host with his sister cooking / serving Perhaps a “thank you” dinner, since Jesus seems to have left soon after raising Lazarus

Mary’s action John 12:3 –Took a pound of oil of spikenard A pound was about 12 ounces (1 ½ cups) –A typical vial was only 1 ounce for use as a perfume –Such a large container would be used to anoint the dead »But because of its cost only the very rich would so use it »Even today the cost is about $25 per ounce Spikenard is made from crushing the roots of a certain plant that grows in India, Nepal, China –The fact it had to be imported such a distance explains the high cost »A container of spikenard was found among the treasures in King Tutankhamen’s tomb

Mary’s action She took the oil and anointed Jesus’ feet –Typically a homeowner would supply water and a servant to wash guests’ feet –No indication Jesus’ feet were not washed But walking dusty roads, they were bound to be dry –She then used her own hair to wipe up the excess oil

Why did she do it? Perhaps first and foremost it was a way to show her love for Jesus –He had given her back her brother who had died Was any sacrifice too much to say “thank you”? –The oil had probably been purchased to be used on Lazarus Oils and spices would be poured over the wrappings of the dead body Fitting that the oil could be used for the One who made it no longer needed –Other oils could’ve been used (olive oil) But her heart demanded something more –Like David (1 Chr 21:24) love and thanksgiving to God should be a sacrifice that costs

Why do we ask? Perhaps more important than knowing why Mary used the oil –Why are we appalled by her actions unless we can come up with a logical explanation? –John 11:4-6 Judas had this materialistic mindset –Tried to disguise it as concern for the poor –But really was just hoping to be able to pilfer some of the money Judas says it could’ve been sold for 300 denarii –About one year’s wages –Judas’ estimate of the cost is actually way too low

But...? Despite Judas’ motives, didn’t he have a point? –A command of the Law (Dt 15:11) –Jesus did teach to care for the poor Lk 18:18-30 – just a few weeks earlier John 12:7-8 –Yes, the poor need to be cared for There will be plenty of time for that Because there are always poor people –But, as always, it is a matter of priorities Jesus wouldn’t be present much longer on earth –When He was gone what might they have wished they could have said to Him or done for Him?

For the day of My burial Jesus knew He was going to die –Jesus even knew when He was going to die (Matt 26:2) –So He knew there would be no time on that day for applying spices and oil before burial Also knew when He would arise, so He knew there would not be another opportunity for that service (Jn 2:19-22) Whether Mary understood the significance or not –She could have since Jesus did not make a secret of His coming death –Fitting that the King of Kings go the grave anointed with costly oil

The plot grows John 12:9-11 –A lot of people came to Bethany that day A chance to see and speak with Jesus –More and more coming to believe on Him –Despite the command to tell the Sanhedrin Also a chance to see and speak to Lazarus –Not too many chances to speak to someone who had been undeniably dead –Causing more people to believe on Jesus –Lazarus’ presence makes it even harder to act against Jesus, so the Sanhedrin decides that they should kill Lazarus also From one should die (Jn 11:50), to now two

Conclusion How much do you love Jesus? –What would you be willing to do for Him? –What sacrifice would you make for Him? –Matt 25:41-46 You show how you would treat the Lord, by the way you treat others Mary loved Jesus and followed her heart in showing her love right then and there