"THE HOUR HAS COME!"

AT HIS baptism in 29 C.E., Jesus embarked  on the course that would lead to the "hour" of his death, resurrection, and glorification.  Now it is the spring of 33 C.E.  Only a few weeks have passed since the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, took counsel to kill Jesus. Learning of their plan, possibly from Nicodemus,, a member of the Sanhedrin who had been friendly to him, Jesus has left Jerusalem and has gone into the countryside across the Jordan River.  As the Festival of the Passover nears, many people go from the country into Jerusalem, and the city is buzzing with speculations about Jesus.  "What is your opinion?" People ask one another.  "That he will not come to the festival at all?"  The chief priests and the Pharisees have added to the excitement by giving orders that anyone seeing Jesus should report his whereabouts to them. -John 11:47-57. 

On Nisan 8, six days before the Passover, Jesus is back in the vicinity of Jerusalem. He comes to Bethany-the hometown of his beloved friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus-a place located about two miles outside of Jerusalem. It is Friday evening, and Jesus spends the Sabbath there. The next evening  when Mary ministers to him using precious perfumed oil, the disciples object.  Jesus replies:  "Let her alone, that she may keep this observance in vies of the day of my burial.  For you have the poor always with you, but me you will not have always." (John 12:1-8; Matthew 26:6-13)  Jesus  knows that 'his hour  has come for him to move out of this world to the Father.' (John 13:1) Five days more and he will "give his soul a ransom in exchange for many." (Mark 10:45)  Henceforth, a  sense of urgency affects everything Jesus does and teaches.  What marvelous example this provides for us as we eagerly await the end of this  system of things!  Consider what happens in Jesus' case the very next day. 

Next time:The Day of Jesus' Triumphal Entry

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000