HAPPY SHABBAT HAGADOL!

 

Saturday, March 27, 2021

 

HAPPY SHABBAT HAGADOL!

 

John 12:1-8

12 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

KJV

 

           “Lazarus Saturday” celebrates the gathering in Bethany which celebrated the raising of Lazarus. Martha and Mary made Jesus “a supper” which seems to indicate that this was more than a simple family evening meal. It was a celebration.

 

           Martha did what she always does. She served! Mary did what Mary always does. She worshipped by sacrificing sweet oil that was unbelievably valuable. She poured it on Jesus’ feet and then wiped those precious feet with her hair. Everyone present felt uncomfortable and confused except for Jesus and Mary. Lazarus never commented at all. He gave no “near death” testimony. He said nothing at all as far as we know.

 

           Judas saw only the waste of valuable resources. Driven by greed, he rebuked Mary and Jesus pointing to the potential benefit this might have been to “the poor.” Of course, Judas was thinking only of himself. Jesus returned the rebuke explaining that Mary was only spicing his body in preparation for burial.

 

           This celebration was the connecting link between two funerals. This grand meal celebrated the raising of Lazarus and prepared for the funeral of Jesus. In much the same way, Communion links us with the past and the future.

 

           Two truths were reinforced by Jesus in verse 8. First, do what you can for the poor whenever you have opportunity, but understand that it will never be enough. Next, do not postpone worship. The good that you would do – do it now.

 

Lord, as we march steadily toward the cross, let us find our appropriate place at your table. AMEN