ACC ~ John 12 v7

A REMINDER TO JUDAS ELICITS NO PITY

CHRYSOSTOM Again, as if to remind his betrayer, Jesus alludes to his burial. But the reproof does not reach him, nor does the expression soften him, although it should have been sufficient to inspire him with pity—almost as if Jesus had said, “I am a burden, and I know I cause a lot of trouble for you, but wait a little while, and I will leave.” HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 65.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:243**.

MARY ALLOWED TO ANOINT HIM

BEDE It is as though Judas were asking an innocent question, and so our Lord simply and gently explained the mystery of what Mary’s action meant, namely, that he himself was about to die and that he was to be anointed for his burial with the spices. It was being granted to Mary (to whom it would not be permitted to anoint his dead body, although she greatly desired this) to render a service [to him while he was] still alive, since she would be unable [to perform it] after his death, for she would be prevented by his swift resurrection. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 2.4. [1]

[1] CS 111:39*.

THE OINTMENT OF HIS BURIAL

EPHREM THE SYRIAN He restored Lazarus to life and died in his stead. For after he had drawn [Lazarus] from the tomb and had seated himself at table with him, he was himself buried by the symbol of the ointment that Mary “poured over his head.” … Thus, [the Lord] came to Bethany, raised his friend and buried himself through the symbol of the ointment. He made Mary and Martha joyful and exposed both Sheol and greed, Sheol because it would not always be holding onto him and greed because it would not always be selling him. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 17.7-8. [1]

[1] ECTD 264-65.