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Saturday, AD 30, 6 days before His death

Jesus resurfaces after a few days of laying low in Ephraim. Things were getting turbulent in Bethany and Jerusalem and He needed the extra days for things to cool down. Today, on Saturday morning, Jesus traveled back with His disciples to Bethany. It was just six days before the Passover (John 12:1).

Bethany was a familiar town to Jesus. This is where He raised His friend Lazurus from the dead and it was a place that He often frequented. Because of this, Jesus was fairly well known to the locals and would have been easily recognized in the community. It was the last place He would want to go if He had aspirations of staying alive. This is especially true since an arrest order had just been published by the Jews in Jerusalem (John 11:57)

Jesus arrived in Bethany to an honorific feast. Apparently, Mary and Martha were quite eager to show their thanks, since Jesus raised their brother from the dead. During the day, Martha busily prepared the meal, while Mary and others sat listening to Jesus teach (Luke 10:38-42). This caused a momentary squabble among the sisters, but things calmed down as the evening approached. At least temporarily.

Saturday night His disciples and His friends came together for a dinner and time of fellowship to honor Him (John 12:2). These moments must have been sweet to Jesus, considering the pain and sorrow He would soon face. But they were not without controversy.

During the dinner, Lazarus was reclining at the talking with our Lord deep in friendly conversation. While this was happening, Martha was likely serving, and Mary was taking a bottle of the most expensive perfume they owned and was using it to anoint her savior’s feet (John 12:2). This, of course, was a beautiful act of love and kindness that she was doing for Jesus, but unfortunately, some found it repugnant (i.e. Judas). He scoffed at this gesture and complained because of the lavish expense, noting that this money could have been given to the poor. And by poor, it is clear that he meant himself. (John 12:4-6)

Jesus responded the same loving and tender way He had before, the first time controversy with Mary erupted. He did not rebuke or scoff at them; He simply taught them. He reminded everyone in attendance that this anointing was in preparation for His death and burial (John 12:7). A fact that no one seemed to understand. But Jesus knew what it meant all too well.

On Saturday night, even in the midst of this sweet joy and well needed community, He could taste the bitterness of abandonment that He would soon feel upon the cross. His heart, though joyful, must have been heavy.

And as the fellowship came to a close, the sun went down on Saturday, with Jesus one day closer to His death. This ends the events of Saturday