What is Happening  On Wednesday Jesus remains in Bethany.  According to Wikipedia “Bethany has traditionally been identified with the present-day West Bank city of al-Eizariya (Arabic (العيزرية), meaning “Place of Lazarus”), site of the reputed Tomb of Lazarus, located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the east of Jerusalem on the south-eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.”  Maybe he spends the day teaching on the hills.  Possibly he spent time in prayer or in fellowship with the apostles along with Mary, Martha and Lazarus.  In the evening he has dinner at the home of Simon the Leper (see Matthew 26:6-13).  During dinner, Mary comes in with some expensive perfume and anoints Jesus feet.  Judas complains about this extravagant display and is told by Jesus Mary has anointed him for burial.  Even now his thoughts are on what is coming very, very soon.

Speaking of Judas, after dinner he walks the short distance over to Jerusalem where he makes contact with the Chief Priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, the standard price for a slave.  Now Judas is watching for the opportune moment to turn Jesus over to the authorities.

Thoughts to Ponder:  This day seems like the calm before a storm.   Not too much is happening.  In the evening, Jesus has dinner and aside from the anointing for his upcoming death, things seem to be normal.  However, behind the scenes, sinister forces are working against Jesus.  This is a good reminder that even when things are going well, we need to be on guard against the forces of evil.  The Apostle Peter would write years later:  “Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV)

Prayer:  Lord, help me to stay alert during the calm and easy times, recognizing that evil never rests and that help from you is always available.  May I too have the focus Jesus had before and during the storms I must face.  Amen.