The events now start to move on again, heading inexorably to the cross. Notice that Jesus gave some very detailed and profound teaching just a few days before the cross. This demonstrates His composure. He knew full well what was going to happen, yet He continued to serve God and to carry out His mission.
The religious leaders gathered to plot to have Jesus killed. They wanted to avoid the festival, as they knew the people were supportive of Jesus and wanted to avoid a riot. A riot would have brought the Roman authorities down on them.
At Bethany a woman anointed Jesus with oil while He was at the house of Simon the Leper. This made the disciples indignant because the perfume was very expensive.
So the religious leaders did not understand the times, the disciples did not understand the times (despite Jesus making it pretty clear). A despised woman and Jesus did understand the times. It is quite likely that the woman did not fully understand what she was doing, but she felt led to anoint Jesus. We do not need to fully understand something for it to be useful and significant. Jesus knew the significance of her actions and commended her. In the midst of all circumstances we should remain devoted to Jesus.
Jesus' statement on us always having the poor with us is a warning against an overly austere attitude.
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