Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 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. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 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. Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
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. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
Comment: There is a last meal in Bethany with the Lazarus family while Jesus heads to Jerusalem and his death. There are at least four points to note,
- Mary’s ointment, previously mentioned, which leads me to say that no gift is too expensive to give to Jesus when given for the right motives, and Mary’s motives were good.
- Judas showed his true colours. He tried to cover with a good excuse for his desire to get the money in the disciples’ bag, but John reveals Judas’ true character.
- Jesus makes a statement about worship and generosity, which is worth noting!
- Lazarus was added to the firing line, I don’t know but suspect he was killed. The Eastern Orthodox Church says that he escaped to Cyprus
Prayer: Help me to put into practice lessons which You teach me, Father.
As I read it! 