Things are not what they seem

Six days before the Passover Jesus arrived at Bethany where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. John 12:1

Rembrandt's Prodigal Son detail. Six days before the Passover Jesus arrived at Bethany where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard and expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with fragrance of perfume. But one of the disciples Judas Iscariot who was later to betray him objected "Why wasn’t the perfume sold and money given to the poor?"John 12:1-5

Reflection

As we read the scripture above notice that things are not what they seem.

• Lazarus, whose family at one point convinced of his death, now sit within the ‘bigger story’ of his resurrection?
• Mary’s simple act of anointing Jesus seems extravagant and yet, anticipates the greater story of His death and burial
• Judas comments of outrage- “money for the poor”, only highlight an alternative story of his pilfering money out of the pot of self-interest.

As you consider the scripture above do you have a sense of the’ bigger story’ in which you sit? What desire or challenge is stirred within me? Is there a prayer or action that emerges?

Mags Bryan