Reading for March 8th

 Read John 12.1-19. In verses 1-8: The anointing at  Bethany. (Mk 14.3-9; Lk 7.37-38). In verse 1: Passover, see 11.55-57. Bethany , see 11.1. Lazarus, see 11.1-44. In verses 2-3: Martha, Mary, see 11.1. They prepare dinner; Martha served, Lazarus reclined with the company, and Mary anointed Jesus' feet. A pound of ... nard, a large amount of perfumed ointment (compare Mk 14.3) In verse 6: Common purse, money box. In verse 7: The anointing Jesus' feet foreshadows the foot washing in 13.1-20. In verses 9-11: The plot against Lazarus (Compare 11.45-53). In verse 9: The great crowd, not the Jewish leaders (see 12.12; 11.19). In verses 10-11: See the decision to kill Jesus in 11.53. In verses 12-19: The triumphal entry. (Mt 21.1-11; Mk 11.1-11; Lk 19.28-40). In verse 12: The great crowd: as many as 100,000 pilgrims came to the festival of Passover. The next day suggests that it might include the great crowd of 9-11. In verse 13: Palm branches were symbols of national triumph and victory (2 Macc 10.7; 1 Macc 13.51). Psalm 118.25-26 is used at major festivals. Hosanna is a cry for help, "Save us." God and king in the quotation suggests a messianic understanding of the King of Israel. In verses 14-15: Zech 9.9. In verse 16: When Jesus was glorified, Jesus' departure to the Father was an act of revelation. In verses 17-18: The crowds of 12.9 and 12.12 overlap. In verse 19: The fears expressed by the Pharisees, The world has gone after him!, perhap foreshadow the gentile mission (see 12.20-26). Comments or Questions..