(1) People who wanted to kill Jesus v.1-2
14:1 Two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the chief priests and the experts in the law were trying to find a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.
(NET) The verb were trying is imperfect. It suggests, in this context, that they were always considering the opportunities.
e.g. 3:6 after Jesus healed the man with withered hand on the Sabbath
11:18 after Jesus cleansed the temple
The religious leaders seemed to serve God, but they actually did not want the Son of God to come and take up the authority of teaching, cleansing the temple, and leading the people. They knew it was not right before others' eyes and they had to kill Jesus by stealth and not during the time when so many supporters of Jesus was around.
Reflection: What is our response when other people point out our sins or things we are wrong? To get rid of that person? What is our response to God when He take leadership in our lives and wants us to follow His will (not our wills)?
(2) 3 motives were mentioned in this passage: a. the chief priest and the experts in the law trying to kill Jesus, but could not; b. the motive of the disciples who got angry with the women. One of them betrayed Jesus v.10; c. the motive of the women, she did the right thing in the right time, probably because she believed what Jesus said about His death/burial/resurrection previously;
Reflections: Jesus knew all our motives, whether I opposed Him, betrayed Him, followed Him. Which motive do I have for Jesus? Do I know the will of God like the women and followed His plan?
(3) Repeated words v.3-9
costly/waste/expensive/more than 300 silver coins v.3-5; she did what she could v.8
always/not always v.7; beforehand for burial v.8
In other words, Jesus knew that the aromatic oil that the woman pouring over Him was expensive. It reflected how the woman had do what she could to Jesus. He was worthy to her. Her act of love stood in strong contrast with what the religious did to Jesus.
Reflection: Do we see the worth of Jesus? Are we willing to do all we can to Jesus?
Audrey
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