Lessons From the Road to Calvaryનમૂનો

A common accusation against the four Gospels is that they contradict one another because they contain different accounts of the same event. In Matthew twenty-six, Mark fourteen, and John twelve, we find the story of Jesus at a dinner in Bethany where a woman anointed His feet with an expensive perfume.

A similar event had previously taken place, but that was in the Galilee region at the home of Simon the Pharisee. Matthew and Mark inform us that this second event takes place in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper, a detail that John omits. These are not contradictory, but rather different penmen being inspired by God to share different details and perspectives. By comparing Scripture with Scripture, we can easily explain any so-called “contradictions.”

The detail that Simon the Leper owned the house is interesting. As a leper, Simon would not have been allowed to come into his own house. But in this story, we see him in the house eating with Jesus, which tells us that Simon had been healed of his leprosy. Most likely, Jesus had healed him. Gratitude for being healed would definitely be a compelling reason to invite Jesus to share a meal at his house.

That is the first lesson we can learn from this event on the road to Calvary: the Lord appreciates gratitude. Has Jesus saved you? Has He radically changed your life? Thank Him — for He is good.

We learn the second lesson from Mary’s act of worship as she anoints the feet of Jesus. The perfume that she used would have cost nearly a year’s wage. For Mary, this act of worship was one that had great earthly cost attached to it.

In this scene, we have a beautiful picture of love contrasting with the horrible death that Jesus would soon experience. I believe that Mary was showing Jesus all that He meant to her. It seems as though she had been carefully listening to Jesus’ teachings and understood what was about to happen. As such, she decided to anoint Him for His burial ahead of time.

Often at a funeral, we see people place a rose or other flowers on the coffin. It is a poignant moment, but think about it. Wouldn’t you rather have someone tell you how much you mean to them while you are still alive? Make it a point to say, “I love you,” while it is still called today.

Lesson: Is there someone in your life who needs to hear, “I love you,” or, “I appreciate you?” Perhaps you have been estranged from a family member. Think about picking up the phone or sending a note. Let them know you care about them before it is too late.