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Jesus returns to Bethany shortly before Passover. This village just outside Jerusalem was one of his favourite places especially the house of Lazarus; Martha served the meal while Mary anointed him with nard. This perfume was widely used in India and in the Greco-Roman world at the time; it was used to season foods but also, and significantly, as incense in the Temple worship in Jerusalem. Jesus is himself a 'fragrant offering' acceptable to his Father; he is the One in whom the Father says he is well pleased (Matthew 3:17).
Although Judas complains about the waste, Jesus understands what Mary is doing and why. He knows that she is fulfilling a greater purpose than she fully understands. We are like her in this; sometimes we act on the prompting of the Spirit without really knowing what we are doing. The obedient action is far more important than our knowledge or understanding.
Many Jews turned up because of Jesus past action in calling Lazarus out from the grave, and the chief priests' response was entirely predictable. Even in his entry to the city, Jesus is fulfilling the Old Testament writings. People are talking about him and the Pharisees are frustrated and worried.
Have you thought that our task is also to fulfil the old prophesies? We can only do so in Jesus name and filled with the presence of his Spirit. But like him we are called to redeem the broken world in which we live [Tweet it!]. He calls us to share the good news, to love and heal the people, to speak the truth in love, to act as his body in this world by responding to his commands as our head. He is the way, the truth and the life. So we must follow him, believe in him and live his life of service. We are ambassadors of truth and light and freedom and a more abundant life.
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