John 12:3 ESV “Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume,”

I’ve already given Judas his time in print, but many consider Wednesday of Holy Week as “Spy Wednesday,” because Iscariot betrayed Jesus on that day for 30 pieces of silver. It’s possible that this occurred midweek, but this disciple had betrayal on his mind for a while. Maybe it occurred when Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with an expensive oil called Nard. Maybe it was before that, as he dipped his hands into the ministry’s treasury. We know Judas wasn’t the only disciple who was outraged at this act of love. But Jesus rebuked them and acknowledged the fact that she was doing this not only to indicate respect for Jesus, but to prepare Him for His coming burial.

A complete and perfect timeline for Holy Week has been attempted for centuries, but the point is that it was unnecessary for our salvation. Jesus knew what His mission was. He would teach, heal, encourage, inspire, train and lead His followers to the true Kingdom of God. He also knew that this would be His final week to complete this mission. He became angry. He would be accused. He would suffer. He would be found guilty. He would make His way to His death, carrying the cross that would hold Him. He would die an excruciating death. He would lay in the grave for three days and then be resurrected to life. That truth has managed to survive for many years. Jesus is still known as the Savior of the world and the true Son of God

Throughout this week, Jesus obviously knew what the outcome would be. He would go to the Mt. of Olives at the end of each day, to refresh and renew for the next day, when the crowds would return to listen to His words. They would meet at the temple or return to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. During one of those visits, Mary, lovingly anointed Jesus’ feet with oil.    The use of such oil was reserved for those deserving special honor.  It was also used for burial. She then dried His feet with her hair – an act of total submission and servanthood. One of those with Him at the house was the disciple who had already sold his soul to the devil.

Every prophesy regarding the Messiah was being fulfilled, from His conception to His death and resurrection. The sinless Son of God was about to lay down His life for the benefit of all those who believed in Him. He was the perfect sacrifice. He was God’s only Son. It was ordained way back in the Garden of Eden as God’s amazing plan for salvation. What a wonderful name is Jesus!