Encountering Jesus this Easter

Many people came to Jesus throughout his ministry.  One of the more aromatic encounters Jesus had is found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark & John.  In John’s account, we read that a dinner was given in honour of Jesus just days before the Passover and his arrest.  Present at this ‘dinner party’ were Lazarus (whom Jesus had recently raised from the dead) and his sisters Martha & Mary, and we believe others too*.  These friends of Jesus had been deeply impacted by him and his ministry.  Lazarus was alive and this was likely a ‘thank you’ meal for Jesus.

I imagine that the evening took an unexpected turn when Mary, Lazarus’ sister, knelt at Jesus’ feet, holding a large-ish jar and began to pour its perfume over his feet).  This would possibly have been a bit of a breath-taking event as Mary let her hair down (this potentially was perceived as a provocative action within her culture) and with it she begins to dry Jesus’ feet as the aroma of the perfume begins to permeate around Jesus, around Mary, and throughout house.

When Judas Iscariot begins to complain about the misuse of this valuable perfume, Jesus is very clear.  ‘Leave her alone. She’s anticipating and honouring the day of my burial.’ Mary’s actions were an uninhibited and unrestrained expression of worship and adoration for who Jesus was and what he had done for her, in advance of his forthcoming death, burial, resurrection and ascension to the Father.  She previously had sat at Jesus feet listening to his every word (Luke 10:39) and here she is once more at Jesus’ feet pouring out her love, her worship, and (likely) her most valuable possession.

This season of Lent has for many, possibly all of us, been a time of reflection, repentance, and maybe self-denial.  As we continue through Lent towards Easter, let me encourage you to keep setting aside time and space to reflect on the wonder of who Jesus is and of what he has done for you.  (‘You laid aside your majesty, gave up everything for me, suffered at the hands of those you had created…’).  Let me encourage you as you do so, to once again offer your love, your worship, and your devotion at the feet of Jesus – and allow this to spill over into the everyday circumstances of your life.  And may you discover once again the joy of knowing him, following him, and of serving him as a ‘disciple whom Jesus loves.’

May the fragrance of Jesus fill your life this Easter time.

To him be glory, majesty, power and authority… now and forevermore! Amen.

Alisdair Longwill

Regional Minister

*Matthew and Mark comment that Jesus went to a meal in the home of Simon the leper.