Monday 26 March 2018

Psalm: Psalm 36

Background

The context for chapter 12 of John’s Gospel is the narrative in chapter 11 of the raising of Lazarus. As many commentators have noted, the first eleven chapters of the fourth Gospel are structured around a series of “signs” (the word that the evangelist uses for Jesus’ miracles (see John 2:11; 11:47)), the last of which was the raising of Lazarus. Not surprisingly, when Jesus next went to Bethany, his return was celebrated. Who “they” are that threw the party is not clear; presumably this was held in the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, as Martha was serving the guests whilst Lazarus sat at the table. Mary entered later with an expensive gift of perfume with which she proceeded to anoint Jesus’ feet.

The evangelist makes clear that there is a shadow over this joyous occasion. The first hint comes in Jesus’ response to Mary’s anointing of his feet when he tells Judas that Mary has done a good thing in using the ointment in the way that she has: “so that she might keep it for the day of my burial” (v. 7). Mary’s action indicates that the raising of Lazarus has brought the moment of Jesus’ death close.

The evangelist spells this out at the end of today’s passage. The popularity of Jesus and Lazarus that has followed news of the revivification has convinced the chief priests that they need to do something. They are already (John 11:53) planning to eliminate Jesus; now they intend to assassinate Lazarus also.

In that context, Judas’ objection to Mary’s extravagant gesture (verses 4-5) (which has often been the main focus of discussion on this passage) seems petty and out of place. The evangelist muses on Judas’ motivation (verse 6) but the striking thing is that Judas has missed the point altogether. The raising of Lazarus has brought the mission of Jesus to its hour of fulfilment, which Mary somehow understands. The first readers of John’s Gospel were probably already well aware that the Crucifixion occurred around the time of the Passover, so the opening of this passage “six days before the Passover” is deliberately ominous, and the way the evangelist tells the story of the dinner and anointing indicates that the tension is rising. Ironically, Judas, who as we shall see becomes a central player in the unfolding drama, is the one who is oblivious to this.

To Ponder

• Judas’ protest is based on the value of the perfume. Mary is expressing her thankfulness for the restoration of her brother. Can you think of a time when a very extravagant gesture has been appropriate? What happened? And why was it appropriate?
• The perfume was a sign of Jesus’ impending death and burial; in some Church traditions those who are close to death are anointed. If you know someone who expects to die soon, how might you pray for them to be prepared for the end of life?