Sir, we would see Jesus

In this section, John is interested in showing us the nature of true and false devotion to the Lord Jesus, and what it really means to serve and follow Him.

The most obvious contrast stands between Mary and Judas. From the outside it might have appeared that both were followers of the Lord Jesus, but their actions at the beginning of chapter 12 will highlight the true state of their hearts. If being a follower of the Lord is demonstrated by how much we are willing to give up in this life, then it is clear which one of the two is the true follower, and which is the false.

Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard and anointed both the head and the feet of the Lord Jesus. It was the costliest anointing oil of its day and was usually purchased only by the wealthy for special guests. That she had ‘kept it against the day of [his] burying’, v. 7, highlights her faith and devotion. The decisive hour had come, and in love she poured out all she had on Him. Had she held some back, or waited for another opportunity, this act would never have made it into the record of scripture.

By contrast, Judas’ reaction showed what motivated him. He desired to see some material benefits come from his association with Christ; this act of love by Mary seemed to him to be a tremendous waste. In recording this contrast, John seems to be highlighting the fact that faith in Christ must be accompanied by devotion and surrender, if it is to be true and genuine.

The next morning, the Lord made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Riding an unbroken colt, and thus demonstrating His authority as Creator, He now presents Himself to Israel as the King that the prophets had long been waiting for, Isa. 62. 11; Zech. 9. 9. It also coincided with the day that the Jews would be selecting their lambs in anticipation of the upcoming Feast of Passover. How tragic that the nation that had acclaimed Him as their King were about to reject Him and crucify Him!

With this in mind perhaps, John reminds us of a group of Gentiles who desired to ‘see Jesus’. This is a picture of a future day when having been rejected by His own people He will be accepted by the Gentiles.