The Death of Jesus: Plotted and Prophesied

Jesus Anointed - John 12:1-11
Jonathan Stephen - Carey Baptist Church - 22 January 2006

This passage teaches that the Christian life is far more than simply a matter of believing the right things and of living in a morally upright manner. Here we are shown that a Christianity which is devoid of passionate and wholehearted devotion to Jesus is deficient at its very heart.

With John 12, we are already entering the final week before the crucifixion. The next nine chapters cover a period of just ten days - a measure of the significance of the events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection.

As the pilgrims gather in Jerusalem for the Passover, the tension mounts to a frenzy. The resolution of the religious authorities to eliminate Jesus must have been public knowledge. The main topic of conversation was whether or not he would come to the Feast (11:55-57).

Jesus slips quietly into nearby Bethany to visit his beloved friends, Lazarus, Mary and Martha, one last time. Although both Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9 also record the famous incident that follows, they do not disclose the identity of the woman who anoints Jesus. Whether that was to preserve her safety or her modesty, or for some other reason, we do not know. However, when John is writing some thirty years later, Mary can now justly be revealed as the one whose love for her Master cannot be restrained.

Putting the accounts together, it is clear that Mary anointed the whole of Jesus' body. Remember, he is reclining at the table. Beginning at his head, she works down to his feet. John highlights the latter in order to stress her humility, and perhaps as a contrast to the attitude of the Twelve in the next chapter (13:1-18).

We shall consider the two diametrically-opposed evaluations of Mary's astonishing act:

The view of Judas (verses 3-6).

In fact, the other Gospel writers tell us Judas was not alone in his opinion. Others of the disciples were scandalised by the apparent scandalous waste of such a precious resource. Judas' motives were suspect in the extreme, but the others genuinely thought this exclusive perfume could have been put to better use.

Many in the world today would certainly regard any devotion to Christ and his service as a waste. Even some who would call themselves Christians would consider relieving poverty a far better use of resources than 'merely' spreading the gospel. Indeed, some would consider helping people materially and socially was the Christian gospel. But it isn't.

We are thankful that true believers are to be found in the forefront of care for the poor and needy worldwide, but that can never be the most important thing they do.

The view of Jesus (verses 7-8)

Jesus shows us that, yet again, Mary has 'chosen what is better' (Luke 10:38-42). He declares that 'she has done a beautiful thing' (Matthew and Mark). She has brought great joy to the Saviour. She has demonstrated not only tremendous love but also spiritual faith and understanding. Jesus' comment in verse 7 indicates that she was at least dimly aware of what lay ahead. Those who love most see farthest. Read Jesus' great tribute to her in Mark 14:9. Ironically, it was Judas' life which was the most tragic waste of all. Anything we truly do for the Saviour is laying up treasure in heaven. Let's not waste our love, gifts and resources on a world that is passing away. Instead let us give our all to the One who died to save us. When Mary concentrated all her love on Jesus, 'the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume' (verse 3). When we do the same, the sweet aroma will fill our life and the lives of those around us. May our love for Jesus grow so greatly that this will happen.