Wednesday 31st July
Read John 12:1-3
“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about half a litre of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (NIVUK)
One of the other differences between John’s account and that recorded by Mark and Matthew is where Mary anoints Jesus. Does she anoint his head or His feet? One explanation is that an entire bottle of perfume poured over the head would cover the feet also, so both can be true. Part of the explanation may also lie in the detail each of the authors wants to emphasise.
Matthew and Mark both wish to emphasise that Jesus was entering Jerusalem that last Passover as the anointed King of Israel. Whilst the anointing was undertaken unconventionally, it still signifies His kingship. John is less concerned about that detail when he was writing his account ‘so that we may believe’, it is made clear in the next narrative anyway with the triumphal entry. John wants to emphasise that this king comes as one who serves (John 13) and that humility is at the heart of His rule.
This humility must then be fully expressed in those who would devote their lives to Him. This is captured poignantly and beautifully on the Sabbath day before His death, when Mary humbles herself before everyone to prepare Her beloved King for His upcoming ‘coronation’ on the cross.
