John 12: Jesus is anointed

Captain Megan Kervin ponders the pouring of perfume.

Key texts

• John 12:1–11

It's the run up to the Passover festival. People are starting to gather in Jerusalem for ceremonial cleansing. There is a hubbub in the Temple courts surrounding whether or not Jesus will make an appearance. Meanwhile, there is a plot to kill Jesus and he is keeping a low profile by heading towards the desert town of Ephraim (see John 11:45–57).

As Passover approaches, little do people know that Jesus has returned from Ephraim and is now staying within two miles of Jerusalem at Bethany – the home of Lazarus and his sisters.

Pause and reflect

• When it comes to people and crowds, what kind of person are you? 
• Do you like to be among it all or only if you have to be? 
• Are you a big party person or do you prefer a quiet dinner with family and friends?

As I re-read the account of Jesus’ anointing at Bethany, I’m humbly aware that what we’re given is an insight into an intimate gathering of friends who have come together amid some key events.

As a community of people who seek the presence of Jesus at our own gatherings, I wonder what the invitation to look in on this occasion could say to us. I would like us to accept the invitation and ask: Where are we sat?

Pause and reflect

• Take a moment to read what happens before and after our study passage. 
• Does this change the gathering’s significance? 
• Pray that God will reveal to you why he chose to share this event with us.

So here we are in Bethany at a meal being held in Jesus’ honour. While Martha serves, Lazarus and others recline at the table.

That seems fair enough. Lazarus has been through quite the medical miracle – it’s probably best he reclines at the table! However, this detail about how they are sat communicates something of the atmosphere of this gathering.

Do we recline while queuing for a rollercoaster? Do we recline when we’re running late? Would we remain reclined if a Frisbee sped towards our deckchair on the beach? Probably not!

Reclining isn’t a position that we would normally adopt when we are feeling anxious, rushing or under threat. Reclining at the table was common practice in Greco-Roman and Jewish cultures and then, as now, was an indication that the meal was relaxed, unhurried and among trusted company.

Whoever was gathered at this table in Bethany, this detail about how they are sat suggests they felt comfortable, that they were safe and free to enjoy each other’s company – to indulge in whatever discussion or entertainment might be offered.

Pause and reflect

• If you were sat with Jesus, would you be happy to recline and relax? ‘To be in your presence,/ Not rushing away’, as songwriter Noel Richards puts it. 
• Do you think Jesus managed to experience peace amid everything else? How? 
• Take a moment to pray that God would grant you peace to recline in his presence this Easter.

As we have come to expect, Martha has been a brilliant host (see Luke 10:38–42) and in comes Mary with her bottle of perfume.

Do you have a favourite perfume? Scents and smells are very personal, but I think we all appreciate that better quality scents would usually come with higher price tags.

While we don’t know exactly why Mary had this perfume in her possession, it’s likely it wasn’t for everyday use. This scent perhaps had more significance than our perfumes of today. This was an ointment made from a luxurious substance imported from India called nard, which, according to Judas (see v5), would have cost a year’s wages. The pouring of it on Jesus’ feet was neither a fashionable gesture nor an attempt to lift the aroma of Jesus and the house. This was an act of deep love, identifying Jesus as King or priest and preparing him for death. Judas fails to recognise the significance, and Jesus quickly defends Mary by trying to explain it. I wonder if she understood it fully.

Pause and reflect

• We’re called to worship and honour Jesus, but do we always understand the significance of our offering?
• Do we come to Jesus with our best or do we bring him a token? 
• Take a moment to pray about what you bring to God. Allow God to encourage and challenge you.

Into this once-relaxed atmosphere, arrives a ‘large crowd’ (v9) of Jews who have come to see Jesus and Lazarus. I wonder what the atmosphere was like now. I wonder whether the dinner guests stayed reclined. I wonder what the crowd thought arriving to the rich scent of expensive perfume. I wonder how much they overheard.

This Lent, as we invite Jesus, and others, into our places of worship, where are we sat? Are we, like Martha, getting everything ready? Are we, like Lazarus, enjoying the opportunity to be in Jesus’ presence? Are we, like Mary, trying to add something of more significance? Are we, like Judas, too invested in the practicalities?

I pray that, in all things, we prioritise being people and places of welcome and peace, where people can come and experience something of Jesus, having heard something of what he is about.