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About-Him.Com Devotional 07-02-2005
Http://About-Him.Com/ My Thoughts on the Life of Christ, from His Baptism to His Ascension. 182: The Anointing at Bethany: Mt. 26:6-13; Mk. 14:3-9; Jn. 12:2-8 Matthew 26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. This incident is often confused with another anointing of Jesus (Lu 7:36-50) which was performed by a weeping prostitute at the home of a rich Pharisee who had invited Jesus to dinner. It is necessary to read the accounts of Matthew, Mark and John to get an accurate picture of what occurred at this instance. The account of Matthew and Mark are essentially the same. We get a much clearer picture from the account of John. Mark (Mark 14:1) said that this incident occurred two days before the Passover and John 12:1 tells us it was six days. Simon the Leper (It is safe to assume that he had been healed of his leprosy by Jesus) hosted a supper for Jesus and his disciples. Lazarus, whom Jesus had recently raised from the dead was also present. Martha, the sister of Lazarus, took charge of serving the meal. We remember that Lazarus had another sister named Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus rather than help her sister Martha entertain Jesus (Lu 10:38-42) See Par. 149 At the Home of Mary and Martha. It was the custom for the women to eat separately from the men. Well, guess what, Mary wasn’t about to stay in the kitchen when the One whom she adored was sitting in her presence. She knew from all that had recently transpired that Jesus was soon to be put to death. John tells us that it was Mary who took a alabaster vial of precious Spiknard ointment which cost three hundred pence, a goodly sum which amounted to a year’s wages in those days. She poured the precious ointment over his head and then upon His feet. She ignored the custom of the day and unbound her hair in the presence of all and proceeded to wipe the feet of Jesus with her tresses as the aroma of the precious perfume filled the house. Her love and devotion was openly and unashamedly shown for all to see. This raised the ire and resentment of Judas Iscariot and the other disciples who began to mummer that such a costly object should not have been wasted in such a manner. It should have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. Jesus rebuked them all, and said that she had anointed His body for burial. Wherever the gospel was to be preached her name would be mentioned as a memorial. Charles Swindoll makes the point that the ointment saturated the hair, body and clothing of Jesus. It is very possible that when Jesus stood in Pilate’s judgment hall, that this aroma filled the room. Perhaps the soldiers at the cross smelled it as they gambled for His garments. The whole incident created quite a stir. Many people who heard that Jesus was there came to see him and Lazarus whom He had raised from the dead. The Pharisees were incensed. Because of the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead many of their number had begun to follow Jesus. They decided that they would find a way to kill Lazarus also (John 12:11). Conclusion and Application: I marvel at how the joyous occasion of a thank you banquet for Jesus soon ended with dissension and bickering. First, Judas the thief voiced his concern and then some of the more timid disciples joined in. They were more concerned about a perceived waste than about the fact that their Lord was going to soon be put to death. I marvel at the devotion of Mary. Every chance she got, she was at the Master’s feet. I wonder where I would have fit in, if I had been present at this supper. Would I be at His feet, or would I, because of a jealous spirit, be critical of this woman who loved her Lord so dearly? Something to think about! An old song comes to mind: I love Him. I love Him Because He first loved me And purchased my salvation On Calvary’s tree In About-Him
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At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human
beings. Little Johnny, a child in the kindergarten class, seemed especially intent
when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.
Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said,
"Johnny, what is the matter?"
Little Johnny responded, "I have a pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."
Somebody Has Said
If you draw a circle to exclude me, I'll draw another circle to include you - The late
John Osteen.
Keep Looking Up! Don and Marie Spooner About Him! Ministries Your thoughts and Inquiries Contact@about-him.com Subscribe to this devotional? Subscribe@about-him.com
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