Today was my husband's 3-month post-surgery follow-up for his total shoulder replacement (done December 21). I adore his doctor - but it means driving to Seattle for the follow-ups. I actually don't mind the drive as I always enjoy seeing the bustle and buildings, but I am always ready to get out of town and head home again. It would be a better drive in better weather! It's supposed to be spring as of late last night - but the weather definitely isn't cooperating in the Pacific Northwest!
I have grappled with what to do about where I am in John. John 12 brings us down to the wire....to the final days of Jesus' life on earth. I've decided to finish John, then revisit the timeline when we get to those days on our own countdown journey....
In Jewish history, the celebration of Passover (Pesach) began in the evening on the 14th day of Nisan (which comes in March or April, depending on the year), and lasted for 8 days. Passover was the commemoration of the last of the plagues of Egypt, when a lamb was slain, and its blood was sprinkled over the doorpost of each house where a lamb had been slain and eaten. The Hebrew children had been instructed to do this, so the angel of death would pass over their homes, and in obedience, they did. So, that final night of the plagues, every firstborn in all of the land of Egypt from the wealthiest to the lowliest, died, unless the blood was sprinkled over the doorpost for protection. In the throes of grief over his country's massive losses, as well as his personal loss, Pharoah finally told the Israelite slaves to leave - and they did.... saved by the blood of the lamb.
Each year the Jewish faithful commemorated that event, and when it came to this particular year, they were in the throes of a political struggle that was coming to its head right at the wrong time as far as they were concerned.... People from all over Israel were in town for the Passover. It was a trip that was traditionally celebrated by coming to the temple in Jerusalem, and there were throngs of people everywhere.
It was at that point that Jesus came back to the area. John 12 tells us he came back to Bethany , to the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus 6 days before Passover was to begin. Their response: give Him a dinner. Martha served and Lazarus lounged with Him at the table. Meanwhile, Mary took an ointment made from a pound of pure nard, a very expensive perfume, anointed His tired feet and wiped them clean with her hair.
The sheer waste annoyed Judas Iscariot. He pretended it was for the poor that he chided her, but it was, in fact, because he was a thief. He was the treasurer for the group of disciples, but according to John, he appropriated money in the bag for his own use. Jesus came to her defense.
That is such a wonderful view of our Lord. Receiving the love we have to offer in whatever way we offer it, and then, even if it is misunderstood by others, defending our intentions....
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