Who was this man Simon? Given the
Law’s requirements, we may conclude that he probably had suffered with leprosy
for so many years that the townspeople referred to him as Simon the leper even
though he had been healed from leprosy. Perhaps he was the tenth leper that
Jesus healed and who returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:12-17).
It is no surprise and probably not
coincidental that this event occurred in Bethany, the city of Mary, Martha and
Lazarus. Lazarus was living proof that Jesus held the power over life and death.
The impossibility of a resurrection was defeated when confronted by Jesus. “For
with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37 KJV).
Although it was Simon’s house, Mary,
the sister of Lazarus came in and poured the expensive ointment on our Lord’s
head. What was her motivation? We do not
know. But Jesus said, “she hath wrought a good work on me” (v. 6) and “she
is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying” (v. 8).
Can’t you imagine the scene? Mary
enters and pours an expensive ointment on the Lord. Jesus stops eating and
silence settles over the room as the aroma quickly spreads. The only sound is Mary’s
sobs of mourning. Everyone but Jesus is shocked and indignant. Mary begins wiping
the oil from his face and clothes. The oil has run all down his clothes to his
feet. She kneels there and wipes his feet with her hair as her tears flow. When
she completed her task, she leaves the room amid the outburst of stern
criticism and questions.
But Jesus stops it all with these words, “ye have the
poor with you always, . . . but not me” (v. 7) and “what she hath done
shall be spoken of for a memorial of her” (v.9).
Dear Father, thank you for Mary’s memorial. Empower us to
live as memorials to your sacrifice. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and courageous today as a memorial to Christ,
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