One too many times Jesus had confronted the Pharisees and Jewish officials when he was questioned about breaking Jewish ‘Law.’ Jesus consistently healed others on the Sabbath which was seen as ‘work’ and, even though he had brought back many from the dead, both spiritually and physically, the resurrection of Lazarus after having been dead for four days was the last straw. Jewish leaders were loosing crowds of Jews from their grasp as they were becoming disciples of Jesus.
So we come upon this scene which I will call, “The second-to-last supper.” [John 12:1-8]
As often as possible Jesus would stop in Bethany when visiting Jerusalem. It was only a couple miles away and the home where Lazarus, Mary and Martha resided was always ready to receive Jesus and all who came with him. As usual, Jesus’ entourage was large. The 12 always came with him along with crowds of faithful followers we call disciples.
It was Saturday evening. Sabbath was over so none were limited by sacred sabbath laws. Men and women were invited to reside at table with Jesus. The space was large enough to accommodate a large group . . . even you.
Come, join the other disciples.
Join the other followers of Christ.
Come sit where you choose.
There is plenty of room.
From my perspective I see Mary lingering right next to Jesus and Lazarus is very near.
Judas is not far away, always close to the money.
He knows what Mary has in her hand and does not want to lose sight of this precious commodity.
And Martha has a place at the table but, as usual, she is busy directing the meal service.
Martha still takes little time to linger when there is so much to do.
So, those who are baptized, join Jesus at the table.
You are all worthy because of your baptismal vow which we repeat in the Apostles and Nicene creeds.
We are all worthy because the Holy Spirit continues to reside in us and draw us into Jesus’ presence.
We are as worthy as Judas or as worthy as Mary.
Imagine where you would sit.
Would you choose that empty space that is right next to Jesus or in front of Jesus?
Or would you sit at the far end of the table or in a spot further away in the room where other disciples might reside?
How close do you want to be with Jesus . . . to sacrificial surrender?
Some who sit near Jesus are as grateful as Lazarus for resurrected life, for resurrected souls brought to life by Jesus through word and deed.
Judas felt worthy to sit close to Jesus since he was chosen to be treasurer.
Was he aware that Jesus knew his evil ways but offered unconditional grace so Judas could choose sacrificial surrender?
Or did Jesus know that Judas had to remain in this closely knit group because Jesus knew Judas was present to fulfill prophecy through betrayal? 
Mary knew, deep in her soul, that this was the last time she would see Jesus alive.
Everyone knew Jesus was a huge target.
Jesus ignored their protests to him against entering Jerusalem.
Mary’s heart was pounding with excitement.
The expensive nard was used sparingly for cuts and scrapes.
It would have been used for Lazarus when he died but there was something within Mary that stopped her from embalming her brother even though the stench of death was overwhelming. Something in her knew, deep down, that Jesus would give life to Lazarus.
And there was Lazarus at table, as animated as ever, enjoying this meal with so many who delighted in the presence of Jesus . . . and one another.
All were on their best behavior.
Yet, Mary, being pulled by some force within her, knew she must show Jesus her total surrender through sacrifice.
This pound of nard, worth a year’s wages, was a treasure best used sparingly.
Mary did not care what people thought.
She was totally immersed in giving all she had to the One who gave her soul new life, resurrected life.
In her eyes the sweet perfume that permeated the entire premises was a reminder of how the stench of death can be eliminated.
Death of the body, death of the soul.
It does not matter.
Death is death.
Mary gifted Jesus the entire pound of nard on his feet . . . to cleanse . . . to heal . . . to show Jesus what she knew deep inside.
Jesus would die but take away the sting of death.
Sacrificial surrender was the only way.
Mary’s hair absorbed that nard which dripped from Jesus’ flesh.
Mary’s inhibition was let loose.
She surrendered all.
Mary surrendered all that was of value to her . . . the nard . . . her vulnerability . . . her propriety.
Nothing mattered but the gift of sacrificial surrender.
Nothing.
So, where are we in our journey with Jesus to the Cross?
Have we thought of taking some time to reflect on our sacrificial surrender to him?
Many of you may provide inordinate time in the ministry the Lord has presented to you.
That is amazing and incredibly appreciated.
However, are you able to step back, take a time out, regroup, and ponder the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross?
It’s hard.
What if you gave your all . . . sacrificial surrender?
You will be spiritually filled to the fullness you have never felt before.
Your life will change.
Your attachment to our Lord will change.
Your detachment from worldly-want will change.
Sacrificial Surrender.
Jesus, the Christ, did it for us.
Can we do it for him?
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