John, Chapter 12 part 1

If not for what followed, this first part of John 12 would be a welcome relief compared to the rest of the gospel. In this part, Jesus receives much due praise for the miracles that were performed. Unfortunately, it is all window-dressing as much of the praise He receives is merely a fulfillment of prophesy. In this part we see His anointing as well as His triumphal entry into Jerusalem before His death.

3Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. – John 12:3

I wanted to include this passage because it is simply a beautiful act carried out by Mary. Jesus’ inner circle was far from the wealthy of society. Many of them barely had enough to get by every day. This perform had unfathomable earthly wealth, yet Mary used the entire jar in order to anoint Jesus with it. The act of submission by using her hair is significant as well. Mary truly loved Jesus as her savior, and she serves as an example to all of us in this act. She was willing to give up most everything she had of value and bow before His feet. That is an example we would be wise to follow.

16At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. – John 12:16

It is wonderful hat Jesus received such an entry here, but the praise was shallow based on the events of his death. Many of these people were the same people that would later call to crucify Him just a few days later. Jesus knew this prophesy as well. I cannot imagine the hurt He was feeling in His heart as He made this entrance. This is yet another example of His humility. If you’ll notice, it is the one time He welcomed the praise heaped upon Him instead of deflecting it to the Father.