Supper at Lazarus’ House.

(John 12:1-11).

This supper was arranged for the Lord six days before Passover and is different to that supper, which is described by the first two Evangelists that occurred two days before Passover in the house of Simon the leper. Naturally, this supper took place in the house of Lazarus. This is clearly indicated by the fact that Martha, Lazarus’ sister, was serving while Lazarus was one “who sat at the table.” At this supper, Mary anointed the feet of the Lord with expensive oil, just as at a supper narrated by the two Evangelists, a woman anointed the Lord’s head with oil. According to tradition, this particular woman was a sinner (which has been incorporated in our church service on Great Wednesday, when this anointment is remembered). According to Evangelist John, only Judas made a remark, concerning the value of the oil: while according to the first two Evangelists — the other disciples commented as well. There is nothing extraordinary in that the Lord was anointed twice with oil: Mary performed this through her feelings of gratitude for resurrecting her brother, while the woman-sinner as a sign of her repentance — a feeling that is more lacking in design, and that is why she received a promise of a great reward. She was told more than what was said to Mary. Apparently Mary “kept this” (oil) from her brother’s burial, as though through a presage.