Mary Anointing the Feet of Jesus

John 12:1‑8  •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 11
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Some little time had elapsed since the raising of Lazarus, and Jesus was found again at Bethany. The notable miracle which had been wrought, testified to by so many witnesses, even by some who still rejected Christ (John 11:4646But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. (John 11:46)), produced such a commotion at Jerusalem that a special council was summoned by the Jewish authorities to consider what should be done. No attempt was made, remarkable to say, to deny that Lazarus had been raised from the dead; the fact was tacitly admitted, for they said, “What do we? for this Man doeth many miracles. If we let Him thus alone, all men will believe on Him; and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.” God acted behind their deliberations, and took up Caiaphas, as in former days He had used Balaam, to prophesy that Jesus should die for that nation, and “from that day forth they took counsel together for to put Him to death.” Jesus retired with His disciples from before the hostility of the Jews, for His hour was not yet come, and waited in a city called Ephraim. But the time was drawing near when the true Passover Lamb was to be killed, although it is ever to be remembered that no man took His life from Him, but that He laid it down of Himself; and six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, “where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom He raised from the dead.” There—in the house of Simon the leper, both Matthew and Mark say—“they made Him a supper.” John does not specify where the supper was made— and no doubt he is silent on this point purposely—as his object is rather to call attention to the fact that Martha and Mary and Lazarus were all present, and in the enjoyment of the fruit of their exercises and divine teaching in connection with the sickness, death and resurrection of Lazarus. How blessed for the soul when the object of God’s dealing with it is reached and realized!