Watching Prophecy Fulfilled

     When you are in the middle of something, you typically are too close to it to see it clearly.  Jesus of course was the exception.  When the end was drawing near, He drew strength from God to finish every prophecy.  It was too much for His friends to see or understand, but He embraced it.
     After Lazarus' resurrection, Mary washed Jesus' feet with nard (a very expensive perfume) and dried it with her hair.  She was anointing Him to become the ultimate sacrifice.  Judas was a very realistic sort of person.  He saw the action and thought it was a waste.  That could have been sold and the money given to the poor.  However, in his heart he wanted the money for himself.  He enjoyed being over the mission's fund.  It made him feel important and powerful.
    This confrontation took Judas to the Pharisees who wanted to kill Jesus and Lazarus.  They did not want Lazarus walking around to be a living miracle.  However, Jesus left Lazarus' home before anything could be done to both of them without suspicion.  When He entered Jerusalem the people laid palm leaves calling out Hosanna in honor of Him.  People had come from all over to see Jesus, even Greece.
     Jesus told His friends what it would mean to be a follower of Him, but also the rewards.  It is a life of sacrifice and great responsibility.  His words spoke to everyone, but without comprehension at that time.  Some Pharisees even believed, but would not admit it out of fear.  You can hide in fear for a while, but there will be a time that you have to stand up for what you believe.  The other option is unbelief which is condemning.

John 12