Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-27

Jesus and HIS betrayal by Judas-present-
ing in striking contrast the characteristics
OF two disciples. One might suppose that
the latter followed Immediately upon the
former. This was not the case. John
asserts (chapter xii:D that the amounting
occurred six days before the passover; that
is, on Saturday, April 1. In this chapter
Cverse Owe learn that two days before the
passover, Tuesday. April A. after an extend
ed address. Jesus predicted His crucifixion
The chief priests and the scribes then con-
suited how they might put Him to death,
and Judas. doubtless learning of that in
terview, entered into a bargain to sell his
Master. The matter of the sixth to the
thirteenth verses is retrospective. 1t re-
lates what had occurred at Bethany as
shedding light upon the treacherous con-
duct of Judas in Jerusalem. He was I'M
doubtedly Influenced by the amounting, but
he did not act without considerable time for
reflection. During all those Intervening
days the virus was in his heart. corrupting
Mss secret thoughts and preparing for in
famous deeds.
THE OCCASION oversees 6-O.-While
on His last journey to Jerusalem Jesus came
to Bethany, little hamlet on the north
east, distant only two miles, While there
resting a feast was prepared for Him and
the apostles, given probably by all His dis
cipfes in the community. 1t was held in
the house of Simon, the leper, one who had
been cured of leproSy, as no one afflicted
with the disease might entertain guests.
The occasion was one of rare interest be-
cause this little village contained some who
were dear to the Savior's heart, whom He
had often visited Matt, xxi:1O. Lazarus,
who had been raised from the dead John,
xi:44, supposed to have been a relative of
Simon, sat at the able with his illustrious
benefactor, and Martha. his sister, served
John, xii:2). While the feast progressed
Mary John xii:3) the other sister, whose
name is suppressed in our lesson, came
quietly to the Savior with box of aabas-
ter, containing spikenard Mark xiv :3),
which. having broken the box, she poured
on the head of Jesus, and the delightful
odor (Song, i:12) filled the apartment John,
xii:3).
THE CRICICISM. - Oversees S-s).
Marys deed, performed unostentatiously,
attracted first the attention of those near
est to her. and their surprise soon changed
to criticism. of which Mark, the aman-
uensis of Peter Mark, xiv:4), took note.
as if the feeling was not general. But the
spirit spread until all of the disciples
were indignant as shown in our lesson.
This is interesting case of the diffu-
Illustrating the fact that the thoughts of
one are contagious among his associates,
and that body Of men may unconsciously
move along a course marked out by one
Of their number. Shortly Judas Iscariot
voiced the opinion of all, saying that there
had been a great and unnecessary waste;
u.
There was pound of it John, xiii:3), and
1t was valued at 300 pence or $40, which
could have been judiciously given to the
poor. While Judas spoke for the COM
panions, he really and secretly had mo-
tives which no one shared with him. He
was the treasurer of the party and at
thought not of the poor. but Of himself.
charity.
THE RBPROOF Verse 1M.-A
cOpopapv of mon rnI1ro1uripp at act of
a woman presented an interesting spec
tacle, and the attention of Jesus was direct
spoken, there was something of command
and much of authority as He said to the
men: Let her alone Mark, xiv;6). Why
ing something of Mary's sensitive nature,
for He had communed with her on another
occasion duke, x:42), He sought to relieve
corning something done is trouble.
conscientious soul prompted to any act is
distressed If afterward that act is condemn
ed and the discomfort is greatly increased
when those who disapprove are near to
the Savior. 1t hurts to have the members
of the same church call in question what
we do, even though they only claim that
something better might have been done.
Besides, Mary had done a good deed. She
had wrought a commendable work upon
Jesus. and He espoused her cause, resolved
that her good should not be evil spoken of
e Pet, 11:2). 1t was Jesus and Mary
against the whole company.
THE REASON verse 1D.-There the
episode might have been closed. 1t was
certainly proper for Jesus to order His dis
ciples and to defend woman against them,
and His word might have been final. They
might well relapse into silence. and allow
the feast to proceed with usual pleasure.
But Jesus did not pause there-He pro-
ceeded to argue the case somewhat. AS
to the poor he was not Indifferent. He
had shown his interest in them CMatt., xi:5),
in various ways and had enjoyed upon
n ind m thny, r1fh nr fhpv,
the rich duke. xiv:13). And He himself
was classed among them. But, while min
istry to the poor was plain precept of re-
ligion prov, xiv:2D, there was no special
urgency for its exercise at that time. The
poor are all about us and will always be
near Oeut., Xv:1D. On the contrary Jesus
would be with the disciples only short
time, about a week. OF the fact of His
death and the mode of 1t He had repeat
eddy told them. They ought to have known
that He expected 20 be killed during the
passover week in the city which was out
little distance from them. With that fact
before them they ought not to complain
of any service to Him.
THE MOTIVE (verse 12)-Between a
service rendered to the por who gather
constantly about us, in numbers beyond
power of relief, who are always ready to
receive, and a>service to One who is dearer
than all Others who will soon depart there
could be choice. Jesus pressed this
thought still further into the realm of mo-
tive. Amounting was very ancient custom
with various significance. 1t was employed
by Jacob in consecrating pillar (Gen
xxviii:1S, on his way to Haran. 1t was
used in ritual services in setting apart
priests to the sacred office, also in inducing
kings q Sam. KID, and in recognizing
prophets. 1t was also distinction of hon
or bestowed upon guests, and was doubtless
so intended by Mary in this instance. The
bodies of the dead were generally embaIm-
ed and anointed Mark XVIII. Without as
Stunning that Mary had this last purpose in
view, Jesus informed the company that the
act might stand for that. By so suggesting
He recalled his death. removed any neces-
sity for those acts of-auection commonly
bestowed upon the dead. and placed the
deed of the hour in a new light, worthy
to be approved by all present.
MEMORIAL (verse 13)-When man
dies in this country his relatives or nearest
friends place his body in the casket and
with becoming reverence bear it to the last
resting place That is their right or privi
lege the final service of love. 1t Is after
ward mentioned as an honor that they did
this for the deceased. In like manner the
amounting by Mary having been accepted by
Jesus as a preparation for burial, as stated
in the last verse. 1t is now declared that it
shall be remembered and proclaimed to her
credit wherever the gospel the glad tidings
of his sacrifcial death, is published. That
is quite the same as to say that what she
bad infi toll LOFT 70 Tic