John 12:1-15

Jesus Anointed at Bethany 1Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.

3Then Mary took about a pint Or about 0.5 liter of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5“Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. Greek three hundred denarii ”

6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.

8You will always have the poor among you, See Deut. 15:11. but you will not always have me.” 9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,

11for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King 12The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.

13They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Psalm 118:25,26 “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

14Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

15“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” Zech. 9:9