In Mathew 26, we see Jesus being prepared for his death and burial through an anointing of very expensive perfume by a woman in Bethany (Mt. 26:1-13). In John 12:3, we are told that this woman is Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Jesus sees this act of Mary as an act of worship, something beautiful done to him. The disciples show their dullness by being indignant at the act. They argue that the perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor. They fail to perceive the beautiful thing that Jesus is about to do in his death on the cross for them. Mary of Bethany realizes that Jesus’ hour has come to give His life as a ransom for many.

Who Is Really On Trial Here

Mary is about the only one who rises to the occasion, as Jesus approaches his arrest, trial and crucifixion. We see Judas agree to betray Jesus to the Jerusalem religious leadership (Mt. 26:14-16), and we see Peter’s false bravado, as he resists Jesus’ prediction that all the disciples will desert Jesus in his hour of need. In fact, Jesus says that Peter will especially deny him (Mt. 26:31-35). Jesus is right, of course.

The disciples impending failure is previewed in the Garden of Gethsemane, when the 3 disciples who are closest to Jesus: James, John and Peter, repeatedly fall asleep. Jesus has asked them to keep watch, as he comes to final grips regarding his coming crucifixion. The disciples try to be faithful, but “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt.26:41b).

In Jesus’ trial (Mt. 26:57-27:31), one gets the sense that it’s really the people around Jesus who are on trial before the Truth. They all all expose their true character before God. Whether it’s the envy and hypocrisy of Caiaphas, the high priest, and the other religious leadership (Mt: 26:57-67). Or the cowardice of Peter’s denial (Mt.26:69-75), the self-despair of Judas’ hanging (Mt. 27:1-10), the political expediency of Pilate (Mt.27:11-26), or the cynicism and harshness of the Roman soldiers (Mt. 27:27-31). It’s like they end up convicting themselves of treason against God.

Jesus, the Innocent One, ends up being crucified for the sins of all humanity. Not only for all those present in Mathew’s narrative, but also for you and me. God the Father vindicates His Son’s righteousness by raising him from the dead.

In light of his perfect trust and obedience, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus (Mt. 28:18). On the basis of his death and resurrection, Jesus commissions his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. The good news of forgiveness of sins and the defeat of death is to be shared with anyone who is willing to listen. The disciples are to teach all new followers the values of God’s kingdom. (Mt. 28:19-20).

Mark’s Gospel And The New Exodus

The opening of Mark’s Gospel has many intentional allusions to the story of Israel’s Exodus from slavery to Egypt. Mark portrays Jesus’ ministry as a second Exodus from the powers of darkness such as sin and the demonic.

The first allusion to the Exodus are the opening words of the Gospel which is a combined quotation from Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3. In introducing the ministry of John the Baptist, he is described as “a voice of one calling in the desert” (Mark 1:2,3). The whole countryside of Judah is described as going out to John to be baptized by him in the Jordan River (Mark 1:4-8). Even Jesus is seen as emerging out of the waters of the Jordan River as He gets ready for His ministry in Canaan (Mark 1:9-15). We are meant to make the connection with Israel as they traveled through the desert for 40 years. They eventually crossed the Jordan River and entered the Land of Promise, Canaan, under Joshua’s leadership.

Joshua is a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfills the ministry of Joshua. After he was baptized by John in the Jordan River, Jesus was led out to the desert by God’s Spirit where He was tempted by Satan after 40 days of fasting. Again we are meant to see the connection with Israel. The Jews wandered in the desert for 40 years after they left Egypt. Jesus, the true Israelite and true Vine of God (John 15:1), proves to be faithful in His 40-day test. This was unlike the Israelites who in their 40-year desert wanderings repeatedly disobeyed God and always wanted to return back to Egypt.

Mark will show how Jesus in His life, death, and resurrection will enable God’s people to realize all of God’s promises and purposes. The new Joshua will complete God’s work that was begun in the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants.

QOTD: Are you experiencing the spiritual fruit and blessings of living in faithful union with the True Vine, Jesus?