We have entered the week before Easter, which is known as Holy Week. It is part of the season of Lent. This week we look at Jesus’ journey to the cross. As part of this journey, we will be looking at lectionary readings for each day of the week.

Here are today’s readings:

Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11

I encourage you to take a look at the link above. I love the Psalm scripture. Third Day’s “Your Love O Lord” is based on this Psalm.

John’s gospel records the event of Jesus being anointed. I think Judas’ reaction is very interesting, especially in light of the comments made in the text by the author. Judas becomes indignant because he feels this is extravagent and should be used to feed the poor. This is despite the fact that Judas steals out of the treasury on a regular basis.

Mary took the oil and anointed Jesus in advance for his burial. I often wonder if she “got it” even though the disciples still didn’t appear to understand what was happening.

Perhaps Mary understood that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice that the writer of Hebrews writes about. Jesus died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant. As we follow the journey of Christ to the cross this week, let’s remember that Christ is the perfect sacrifice. The blood of goats and other animals will no longer be needed. Christ is our mediator and through Him we can have eternal life.