Passover is a big deal in the lives of Jesus and his fellow Jews. John points to a specific day for this event, which is unlike many of the events John records. The timing was crucial, and whenever we hear these words, it can move us to be a little bolder in our faith.
Were you surprised by the backstory shared about Judas? John does not want to leave his readers in suspense. He calls out the betrayer by name in the story before the disciples would have known it in real time. The truth about Judas helps explain his outburst about the extravagance of Mary’s actions.
According to Jesus, Mary did this in preparation for his burial. I’m not so sure that Mary had that exact intention in mind when she lavishly showed her heart of devotion in that way. Had she been present or known of Jesus’ teachings about his own death? Whether or not she knew, Jesus saw the beauty and marveled at her display of love.
How are you showing your love for Jesus these days? Are you looking for ways to draw closer to Jesus or to know him on a more personal level? Maybe you’re tired of going through the motions of your life and realize you’re missing out on the most important relationship of all! Jesus is waiting for you. He is anointed, which means he is chosen by God, set apart, and thrives on the Spirit of God to move him. We can be anointed, too. The Holy Spirit can use and empower us.
Our reading also captures another high point in Jesus’ ministry. That would be his triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem, just a day after he had been anointed with perfume. I wonder if the strong essence had worn off, or if Jesus still smelled of that strong perfume. In any event, what we see is devotion. The people were calling Jesus their King. The fact that he was fulfilling prophecy by riding a donkey was certainly a giveaway to his identity for those familiar with the Scriptures.
Those people were able to see Jesus for who he was because they knew how the Scriptures described him. We’re given the same opportunity to know Jesus, meeting him on the pages of God’s Word. As we get to know Jesus, we can’t help but show our devotion in our own way.
Seeing all of the people cheering for Jesus is such a beautiful sight to imagine. I think heaven is going to be a bit like that. The anointed one, Jesus, will be adored by all. Let Paul’s words in Philippians 2:10-11 be your reflection today so you can modify your worship stance. It says, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Let’s pray. Lord, I love you and adore you. I want my worship to reflect my devotion and be extravagantly bold. Help me to get out of my own way in terms of showing this loyalty to only you. Draw me closer to you, filling me with the power I need to accomplish your will. Reveal to me your plans for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
