This week, as we go into Holy Week, we are going to look at some of the questions surrounded this whole event.
What is the deal with Mary and the perfume?
Read John 12:1-8 and journal your thoughts.
For most of us whenever we read this passage we tend to read it looking backwards. We know that Jesus is going to die in a week, and Jesus makes this point in verse 7 about being prepared for his burial. So many times we stop there, Mary is just preparing Jesus for his burial. But here’s the problem, Jesus knew it was coming, not Mary. So what is going on here? What is Mary really doing here?
Turn to 1 Kings 1:39 and journal your thoughts
Normally, when you think of the process where someone becomes a king, we usually picture this whole crowning ceremony. I’m sure right now, you can recall endless movie scenes of this very thing. In the Jewish culture their process was different. Instead of having a crowning ceremony they anoint the new king with a strong smelling oil so that he would smell like a king, then they would essentially parade him among his people.
Now re-read John 12:1-8, then check out John 12:12-14 and journal your thoughts
Did you catch it? The very next day was the Triumphant Entry! Mary isn’t planning on his death, that’s the last thing on her mind. Mary recognizes who Jesus is and anoints him as a king! The next day they are going to march him among his people, who would have smelled him and also recognized him as their king.
As you mediate on the events of Holy Week, please note that the fragrance of this perfume/oil would have stayed with Jesus throughout his last week (yes it was that strong).
**NOTE: All the journals this week were inspired by Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg. I cannot recommend this book enough!
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