Chapter 62—The Feast at Simon’s House
This chapter is based on
Matthew 26:6-13
;
Mark 14:3-11
;
Luke
7:36-50
;
John 11:55-57
;
John 12:1-11
.
Simon of Bethany was accounted a disciple of Jesus. He was one
of the few Pharisees who had openly joined Christ’s followers. He
acknowledged Jesus as a teacher, and hoped that He might be the
Messiah, but he had not accepted Him as a Saviour. His character was
not transformed; his principles were unchanged.
Simon had been healed of the leprosy, and it was this that had
drawn him to Jesus. He desired to show his gratitude, and at Christ’s
last visit to Bethany he made a feast for the Saviour and His disciples.
This feast brought together many of the Jews. There was at this time
much excitement at Jerusalem. Christ and His mission were attracting
greater attention than ever before. Those who had come to the feast
closely watched His movements, and some of them with unfriendly
eyes.
The Saviour had reached Bethany only six days before the Passover,
and according to His custom had sought rest at the home of Lazarus.
The crowds of travelers who passed on to the city spread the tidings
that He was on His way to Jerusalem, and that He would rest over the
Sabbath at Bethany. Among the people there was great enthusiasm.
Many flocked to Bethany, some out of sympathy with Jesus, and others
from curiosity to see one who had been raised from the dead.
Many expected to hear from Lazarus a wonderful account of scenes
witnessed after death. They were surprised that he told them nothing.
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He had nothing of this kind to tell. Inspiration declares, “The dead
know not anything.... Their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is
now perished.”
Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6
. But Lazarus did have a wonderful
testimony to bear in regard to the work of Christ. He had been raised
from the dead for this purpose. With assurance and power he declared
that Jesus was the Son of God.
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