In this passage, Jesus is heading towards his death. The Jewish leaders are determined to kill him. The reference to the Passover in the opening verse, suggests that Jesus’s coming death is to be understood as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb. The fact that Jesus comes back to the vicinity of Jerusalem knowing the danger there shows that he is laying down his life. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus' feet is an extravagant act of devotion which is also a prophecy of Jesus’ death and an indication of Jesus’ royal status. Judas’ response shows the complexity of human motivations as he says one thing and means another. We are invited to consider our own lives both in the light of Mary’s devotion and Judas’ worldliness as well as to reflect on Jesus’ love for sinners.

Read John 12:1-10