From “Jesús’ Journey to the Cross” by Dr Greg Baxter
Day 1, Nisan 9/Nisan 8, Saturday March 28th, 33AD. Today marks the beginning of the passion of our Lord.
On Saturday, Jesus arrived at Bethany (Jn. 12:1).
1. He was anointed at Simon the Leper’s house and a large crowd gathered knowing Jesus was there (Matt. 26:6-13; Mk. 14:3-9; Jn. 12:1-9).
Jewish pilgrims coming to the Passover feast at Jerusalem were hoping to see Jesus in the temple court and listen to His teachings. At the same time the religious leaders had given orders to arrest, convict, and execute the man of sorrows (Jn. 11:55-57). The faithful enjoyed watching the Lord completely frustrate the Pharisees and Sadducees and expose them as being full of pride and out of touch. The leaders were terrified that the entire nation would perish if they accepted Jesus as Messiah and He established a kingdom that would threaten Rome.
2. The anointing of Jesus by Mary concludes His public ministry and begins His six-day journey to the cross. This is also the third lesson that our Lord taught the disciples about His impending death on the cross-sacrifice your best. Jesus leaves Ephraim (Jn. 11:54) for Bethany where Lazarus lived and attends a dinner in his honor at Simon the Leper’s home (Mk. 14:1-11). After celebrating Lazarus’s new lease on life with his family and friends, Mary poured an expensive fragrant oil, worth a year’s wages, over the head of Jesus while he was reclining at supper. She then wiped his feet dry with her hair. The disciples, led by Judas, were furious at her for wasting such a costly resource. Jesus immediately came to Mary’s defense and praised her for her selfless act of devotion. He praised her for her spiritual insight and understanding of his ultimate mission-His death on the cross. The result; Mary will always be remembered for this act of love. The cross was to be the supreme act of love just as Mary‘s willingness to pour very expensive oil over Jesus‘ head and feet was a selfless and extreme act of devotion.
3. Questions for Reflection:
Why do some people fear talking about Jesus being the Messiah?
What does it mean to sacrifice our best to the Lord?
What is one act of selfless devotion you will perform this week?
How is the cross the supreme act of love?
Prayer. Lord, as I begin this holy season help me to be like Mary, a true Christian worshipper who gives my all for Christ and expresses my love and adoration for Him openly and consistently. Unfortunately, I am like the disciples and get caught up in the economics of the Easter season instead of the spiritual implications of this most holy season. Keep me from becoming weary in well doing or frustrated over Easter egg hunts, complicated music programs, and overworked volunteers in my congregation. Help me to pace myself and not be consumed with the work of ministry over my relationship with the Lord, the eternal implications of the cross, and the unfettered freedom that the resurrection provides. I want the most important thing, to worship my savior for dying in my place, for my sins, and rising on the third day so I will have credibility when I proclaim the gospel to my community. In Jesus name, Amen.
– From “Jesús’ Journey to the Cross“, Dr. Greg Baxter