3.21.2015 Saturday of Lent 4 Mark 14:1-11 Jesus Anointed at Bethany
Jesus anointed at Bethany
In the town of Bethany, where Jesus often
stayed, and in the house of a man who was known as Simon the Leper a woman
arrives with an alabaster jar of costly and expensive perfume, and proceeds to
anoint the head of Jesus. This act of love and devotion, which is mentioned,
even to this day, is a prelude to what will transpire in the coming week. She
poured perfume on Jesus body beforehand to prepare for His burial. Jesus must
remind us again, within a week I will be gone.
According to John, It was Judas who
growled at her; rebuking her vehemently. “It
could have been sold for more than a year’s wages! The money could have been
given to the poor! Why this waste!” Judas didn't say this because he cared
about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the moneybag and
would steal what was put into it.[2]
Mark reminds us concerning the timeframe
in which these things took place. The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened
Bread were only two days away. The religious elite were looking for the
opportunity to destroy Jesus by having Him arrested and killed. But the timing
had to be perfect. “Not during the Feast,”
they said, “or the people may riot.”
Judas Iscariot changes everything when he meets with the leadership. They
promise him money. He will keep watch for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to
them.
Nothing
is left to chance when it comes to your salvation. The Father’s plan came to
fruition at the right time exactly. Jesus will execute this plan perfectly.
Nothing is left to chance. The stakes are too high. There is no other way. In
this we know the Father’s love for you. Nothing is left to chance.
Mercifully hear our prayers, O Lord, and spare
all those who confess their sins to you; that those whose consciences are
accuse by sin may by your merciful pardon be absolved; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and
ever. Amen[3]
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