Where was Jesus before he entered Jerusalem? The promised Messiah – an entry on a donkey, adulation, focus, questions, a trial, abject rejection, a crucifixion, death among thieves and a poor man’s burial.

John 12 tells us he was quietly waiting, at Lazarus’ house.

Jesus didn’t just walk the streets, lanes and highways healing, stand on the edge of lakes or on mountain tops teaching, pull nets full of fish out of empty lakes – or indeed walk on them. He did do all this – and his divine nature was more and more affirmed with each of these miracles, insights and ministry moments.

But, Jesus also hung out with those who were his closest. His friends were important to him – he was nourished in their presence, by their presence.

Martha – the server. Lazarus – the sitter – Jesus’ companion, friend, and contemplator. A receiver of two gifts of life – a resurrection of sorts, an eternal life at this time yet to be realised. Both caught up in their own activity (Martha) – or lack of it (Lazarus)!

In this narrative, two more were named – Mary and Judas.

Mary – a woman saved by the truth of Jesus’ words and actions. A woman devoted to servicing men previously, she is now a worshipper of the Son of Man.

And Judas – the criticiser. A man quick to point out that there was a problem; a self-appointed treasurer for the disciples, known for focusing on detail and not the big picture, his betrayal of Jesus was not many days away. His heart was turning away from Jesus – the reverse of what had happened to Mary.

In contrast to her complete renewing and restoration, Judas was about to unravel – spectacularly. Judas’ part in this story is to criticise – in particular, to take issue with Mary’s “extravagant waste” of a precious resource.

In Lazarus’ house, Mary takes an extraordinarily expensive bottle of perfume – one that would have been a significant part of her bride-price – breaks it open, and pours the entire $40,000 (in today’s money) contents on the dusty feet of her wise rabbi, her dear friend, the one she had identified early on as “the one” – sent by God the creator to save the world.

She can think of nothing better than to worship – with all that she is, and all that she has. She wipes the perfume on his feet with her hair. No doubt the perfume scented her hair – she would carry this reminder of this encounter for many days – and it filled the room. A smell of beauty, an act of worship – of Jesus, Son of God, Prince of Peace, Saviour of the world.

As they hang out at Lazarus’ house, big things started happening outside. Jesus’ peace and withdrawal, Mary’s moment of worshipful beauty – set to be completely interrupted.

When we encounter Sar Shalom (the Prince of Peace) – foretold with such certainty in the scripture and testified to by so many around us because of the way He has changed our lives – how will we respond?

As a doer – caught up in the activity we are already doing – missing the moment

As a thinker – away in our own thoughts – not seeing the significance of God in our midst

As a criticiser – deflecting and rejecting what is plain to see in front of us – a means by which we can enjoy eternal freedom – ultimately rejecting it as unnecessary

As a worshipper – not counting the cost, giving all that we have, and all that we are, in worship of our Saviour and Lord.

In whatever moment we find ourselves, may our actions worship the living God and bring honour to His name.

Shalom.

Principally Thinking

'Act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God'

Issue 5 · 29 Mar 2023

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