In John 12, we see Jesus attending a dinner party and entering Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion.
Simon, a former leper, hosted a dinner party with Jesus as the honored guest. Also in attendance were Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Simon could have been the father of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus since Martha served the dinner guests.
During this event, Mary broke a bottle of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus with it. She poured it on His head and His feet. Then she used her hair to wipe His feet. Mary put herself aside and ignored the culture of the day to express her love for her Savior. Mary focused on Jesus not the sacrifice or the people around her.
Mary spared no expense, she had a gentle and quiet spirit, she was humble, she put her affection for Jesus on public display. She was single-mindedly focused on Jesus.
Judas and the other disciples were angry at Mary’s action. Judas publicly objected and criticized her. He said the perfume could have been sold and the money could have been given to the poor. Judas selfishly wanted to take some of this money. Jesus defended her. He said Mary did what was right; she was preparing Him for His coming burial.
A large crowd gathered in Bethany to see Jesus and Lazarus. The chief priests plot to kill Jesus and Lazarus. But many Jews believed in Jesus.
The next day (Sunday), Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey. The crowd responded by waving palm branches and laying their robes on the ground. They celebrated and welcomed Jesus as their King.
But Jesus was not the king the people were looking for. They wanted an earthly king to reign forever on earth. Jesus entered Jerusalem peacefully with the ultimate goal of death on the cross.
Then Jesus made several announcements. Here are just a few:
- He announced that the hour of His suffering and glorification had come.
- He announced that the hour of His enemy’s judgment had come.
- He announced that His soul was troubled because He knew what was to come.
- He announced that belief in Him is belief in the Father.
- He announced that His followers are to die to self and live for Him.
Jesus called His disciples to deny themselves, to take up their crosses, and to follow Him. This means we renounce our self-preferences and fully obey Him.
Now we begin to follow Jesus through His final days on earth.
Things to Think About
- Jesus is King, and He deserves all honor, glory, and praise.
- Are you among the committed, among the watchful crowd, among the curious, or among the critics?
- Do you outwardly praise and honor Jesus? Can people tell that you are a Christian based on your words and actions?