From Anointing to Death
Mark tells us that we are only days away from Passover and the ultimate sacrifice of The Lamb of God. The chief priests were continuing to plan for Jesus’ arrest to “get him out of their way.” Mark 14 begins with a story of anointing in the home of Simon in Bethany.
Read Mark 14:1-11
We read about the anointing of Jesus by an unknown woman in the home of Simon the Leper. (John’s version of the story tells us that the woman was Mary, the sister of Lazarus)
- What was the issue with the anointing? Time? Place? Cost? Or What?
- We are not told the identity of “some present” but definitely included Judas Iscariot. What was Judas’ response to the anointing? Go to John 12 and see what we are told about Judas.
NARD (Spikenard, Muskroot) – Is an aromatic amber-colored oil obtained from the flowering plant of the Valerian family. It is found in the Himalayas in Nepal along w/ China and India. It was used in ancient times as a perfume and for medicinal and religious purposes. It was also used in the Temple as incense. Alabaster was a limestone type mineral that was used for vessels.
If we read John’s version, the woman is identified as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, the man whom Jesus raised from the dead just a short time prior to now. Let’s try and get into Mary’s head for a moment to see why she may have done this anointing of Jesus. We know that Jesus had spoken of His coming crucifixion to His disciples and perhaps He also did to his close friends here in Bethany? Regardless, Mary shows a kindhearted, compassionate, and thoughtful act to her Lord. “What’s a few denarii compared to my Lord who has saved me?” How would you react if you were in her shoes?
Jesus said, “Leave her alone.” Why do you think he said, “she is doing a beautiful thing,” vs. their suggestion of giving to the poor?
Mark now shifts to the beginning of Passover (Feast of Unleavened Bread). Jesus sent his disciples to the city to make preparations. The room was ready just as Jesus had told them. As they were eating, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper. Every time I serve at the Lord’s altar assisting in the Eucharist, I think of my Lord at the original supper as a foretaste of the heavenly meal to come. He reminds us all that His coming sacrifice is for the forgiveness of our wretchedness. Our blackened condition that has become washed in the blood of the Lamb and bleached beyond human understanding. Wow!
Read Mark 14:27-31
I want to focus our attention on Peter for a minute. Mark interjects the prediction of Peter’s denial that is not told in other gospels.
- First, “you will all fall away.” How quickly did that happen?
- Jesus quotes Zechariah here. Go back to Zechariah 12:10ff. The prophet Zechariah is foretelling of the mourning of the House of David. What does verse 10 mean to you?
- Chapter 13:1 says, “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.” Then comes Jesus’ quote in verse 7. Would you have been like Peter in reply?
Zechariah’s section on the mourning of the House of David is a key remainder to you and me today. This amazing detail of Jesus and his crucifixion is the source of God’s power against nations and its effectiveness would be shown in the eventual removal of idols and false prophets from the earth! What a promise. (Halley’s Bible Handbook)
Peter’s emphatic statement of never forsaking Jesus shows our very human weakness and the very reason that Jesus had to come into the world! “Even if I have to die, I will never disown you,” said Peter. And his colleagues all joined in too!
Questions for the Day
- Christ is “The Anointed One.” When was Jesus anointed prior to this physical act by the woman and why is that important?
- The process of anointing remains in various religions today including Christianity. How does the process described in Mark and John make you feel about anointing?
- Ponder on the concept of our human frailty and how we today vacillate from a strong faith to Peter’s stage of weakness. How does the statement in Scripture, “Lord, help my unbelief,” comfort you in an hour of weakness?