Moving

Moving

John 12:1, 3, 7-8, NLT

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. . . . 3Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. . . . 7Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Setting the Scene

Less than a week before Passover, Jesus stopped in Bethany on the way to Jerusalem. According to John, Jesus had been in Ephraim, where he had gone to be alone with his disciples (John 11:54). From there, they had returned to Galilee for a while. Then they had begun traveling from Galilee to Jerusalem for this Passover. Along the way, Jesus had healed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19); traveled and taught in Judea, beyond the Jordan (Matthew 19:1-2; Mark 10:1-2); warned his disciples that this trip to Jerusalem would result in him being crucified—but he would rise from the dead (Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34); healed blind Bartimaeus near Jericho (Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43); and transformed Zacchaeus, a tax collector in Jericho (Luke 19:1-10).

From Jericho, Jesus traveled to Bethany, the hometown of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (see Matthew 21:17; Luke 10:38). Bethany is near the Mount of Olives. This would be Jesus’ final visit with these dear friends because he was en route to Jerusalem where, as he had told his disciples, “the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead” (Matthew 20:18-19, NLT).

Jesus knew he was traveling to his death. He predicted it, and at this dinner he explained that Mary’s anointing was preparing him for his “burial.” Yet knowing what lay ahead, he moved steadily onward. Spending time in Bethany to fellowship with friends, Jesus gave no indication that he was dreading what lay ahead in Jerusalem. And clearly his host and other guests had no idea, even though he had told them what would occur.

Getting Personal

How does Jesus’ willingness to fulfill this plan help you to understand God’s character?

When do you think you might be persecuted because of your stand for Christ? How can remembering Jesus’ walk toward Jerusalem motivate you to do what you know you should?

Why do many Christians seem to forget what Jesus did, or at least take it for granted?

Soon Jesus would suffer excruciating physical torture and a horrible death. Most painful of all, however, would be his spiritual pain, taking our sins on himself and being punished in our place, separated from his Father. Yet Jesus moved forward without hesitation and ministered along the way to those he loved.

Most people do everything they can to avoid pain. If we had been facing political and religious intrigue and the prospect of crucifixion, we probably would have taken a different path or gone into hiding. But Jesus chose to walk this road for us . . . for you.

Talking to God

Marvel at Jesus’ wholehearted commitment to doing his Father’s will, even though that meant ultimate suffering and personal sacrifice. Praise him for this incredible act of obedience that changed the whole world and is changing you, too.