Monday 17 March 2008
- Bible Book:
- John
"Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair... 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...)" (v.3-5)
Background
John tells this story of the anointing of Jesus as an immediateprelude to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem to begin the finalfateful week of his life.
All through his Gospel, John emphasises the kingship of Jesus.Here, he portrays Jesus being anointed as king in anticipation ofhis suffering and death. Later Pilate (the Roman governor) is toraise the question of whether Jesus is a king (
Both Mark and Luke tell a story of the anointing of Jesus, but Johnsets his story in a different context from the others - that ofeating at the house of Mary and Martha, whose brother, Lazarus,Jesus had raised from the grave (
The words of Jesus that Mary "bought it (the oil) so that she mightkeep it for the day of my burial" are a little hard to understandclearly. Perhaps this is an instance of John combining Jesus' deathand glorification - a theme that runs throughout this Gospel. Johnalso introduces his critical comment about Judas and prepares hisreaders for the betrayal - claiming that Judas had always been abad apple.
Jesus' comment that "You always have the poor with you" is not anexcuse for failing to try to eradicate poverty. There are constantopportunities to help the needy, but special moments often call forextravagant expressions.
To Ponder
When should extravagance play a part inexpressing religious feeling?
How can it be that John believes the moment ofJesus' degradation and death is the moment of Jesus' glory?
In what way might this have relevance for the waywe give people status and honour in our society?