Wednesday 20th April 2011
Rev. Simon J. Oriedo
Jesus Anointed for Burial
Mark 14:1-11
Introduction
The events recorded in Mark 12:1-13:37 all took place yesterday, Tuesday. When Jesus was leaving
the temple (13:1-2), His disciples, first drew His attention to the temple building. This led Jesus to
prophesy about the destruction of the temple, which eventually took place in AD 70 by the Romans.
Temple worship was the centre of the Jewish religion (Judaism). They respected the temple and we
can understand why one of the charges against Jesus was that He claimed that He could destroy
the temple and build it in three days (John 2:19 c.f. Mathew 26:61). When Jesus left the temple and
prophesied about her destruction, He turned His back against Judaism with its sacrificial system
prophesying the abolishment of Judaism.
Secondly, the disciples asked Him a question concerning the signs of His second coming. The
question led to the long teaching (13:3-37). Christ was emphatic that the time of His return is not
known but His disciples must be ready all the times. The particular time of the second coming of
Christ is not known but He is coming back.
After the busy schedule of Tuesday, Jesus rested in Bethany on Wednesday. On this day, He did not
walk to Jerusalem. Instead, Jesus was invited to the home of Simon the Leper.
1. Plan to Arrest and Kill Jesus Hatched
The activities for the arrest and the crucifixion of Christ were gaining momentum. After
confrontation with the chief priests and teachers of the law in the Temple, these leaders resolved
to do away with Christ. Mark tells us that they were looking for some sly way to attest Jesus and kill
him. Jesus was killed not because of any major issue but really non-issue at all. Just because of some
sly way. They looked for any great sin He had committed and found none. So they had to create or
cook up one.
At times, the issues that cause conflict among believers are not major issues at all. Mistrust and
breaking of fellowship are created by very insignificant issues.
2. The Disciples’ Luck of Spiritual Insight
From no where, a woman came and broke her expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus. In fact I
can’t understand what all this fuss what about. Why these people indignant with this woman? Could
it that:
According to the Jewish culture, she was being judged for using this perfume on Jesus?
- Is it that these people were ashamed that they had not thought of doing the same to Jesus?
- Is it that they thought this was a rich woman and so she was showing off since they had nothing to give Jesus – hence jealousy?
- Were they being malicious about the expense of the perfume?
Failure to understand spiritual matters leads to false judgment and accusation. We don’t know the
spiritual intention of people yet we pretend to know and in the process, we harshly judge them.
Our failure to put in, just a little effort to understand someone has led us to completely reject them.
People around us are crying for understanding and not judgment; not false accusation. If we try to
understand in the spirit, then we would not be hurting one another.
3. Working with the Enemy – Judas’ Miscalculation
As the chief priests and the teachers of the law were struggling on how to get their ‘enemy’, an
opportunity presented itself. The friend of their ‘enemy’ came to their rescue to cut a deal. They
were so delighted and promised to give him. The money which he could not get through the sale of
the perfume, he is now going to get through betraying his Master.
How could he, Judas, who ministered with Christ throughout Christ’s ministry. He served Christ
as a treasurer, as a missionary, and as a disciple. How could he fall into such a temptation?
Miscalculation again is a sign of luck of spiritual insight. Judas the insider sold his Master.
Conclusion
As we meditate on Christ’s last days before the cross, the activities on Wednesday were a pointer to
Christ’s ultimate death. This day sets in motion the reality of the pending suffering and crucifixion.
Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve Apostles, a disciple of our Lord Jesus, is the very one who betrays
him to the chief priests.
The story of Easter is a painful reminder of every Christian to reevaluate himself/herself lest:
- We are part of ‘Christians’ who are threatened by Christ’s ministry and result in working with the enemy to ‘finish’ Christ.
- We are part of those who luck the spiritual insight.
- We are only part of the shouting crowd who does not know nor understand Christ’s agenda.