Getting Real with God

Read John 11:45-12:19

"Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!" John 12:13

The plot now both quickens and thickens. Pharisees plan to kill Jesus. Jesus draws many more to himself. Having shown his power over death the time is close when Jesus will fulfil his mission, dying and rising again, for us.

The passover festival is approaching, and Jesus will enter it as the Old Testament prophesied, to shouts of ‘Hosanna’. He will be welcomed as a king but it won’t be long before the crowds turn and call for his death.

John 12:1-11 foreshadows Jesus’ death. Jesus is in full control, and knows what will soon come. Mary’s anointing of him with perfume points us to this.

Mary’s offering also reflects the right actions and attitudes in response to Jesus’ love. The perfume she pours on Jesus was worth a whole year’s salary. She is mocked, but Jesus defends her. He is about to give everything – the right response for us is to give radically out of overflowing love for him.

Mitch