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Chapter 62—Mary Anoints Jesus
This chapter is based on
Matthew 26:6-13
;
Mark 14:3-11
;
Luke
7:36-50
;
John 11:55-57
;
12:1-11
.
Simon of Bethany was one of the few Pharisees who had openly
joined Christ’s followers. He hoped that Jesus might be the Messiah,
but had not accepted Him as a Saviour. His character was not
transformed; his principles were unchanged.
Simon had been healed of leprosy, and he desired to show his
gratitude. 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 who closely watched His movements, some with unfriendly
eyes.
According to His custom the Saviour had sought rest at the home
of Lazarus. Many of the people flocked to Bethany, some out of
sympathy with Jesus, and others from curiosity to see one who had
been raised from the dead. With assurance and power, Lazarus
declared that Jesus was the Son of God.
The people were eager to see whether Lazarus would accom-
pany Jesus to Jerusalem and whether the prophet would be crowned
king at the Passover. The priests and rulers could hardly wait for
the opportunity of removing Him forever from their way. They re-
membered how often He had baffled their murderous designs, and
were fearful that He would remain away. They questioned among
themselves, “What think ye, that He will not come to the feast?”
A council was called. Since the raising of Lazarus the sympathies
of the people were so fully with Christ that it would be dangerous to
seize Him openly. So the authorities determined to take Him secretly
and carry on the trial as quietly as possible. They hoped that when
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His condemnation became known, the fickle tide of public opinion
would set in their favor.
But so long as Lazarus lived, the priests and rabbis knew they
were not secure. The existence of a man who had been four days in
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