Theme: Impending tragedy, ultimate triumph

Exegetical note
The Fourth Evangelist's version of the anointing of Jesus at Bethany differs from those of his predecessors by identifying the woman as Mary as well as by mentioning Lazarus, whose emergence from the grave John has just recounted (11:38-44). Mary's act of anointing (as told here, at least) is, of course, a symbolic preparation of Jesus for burial, while the reference to Lazarus prefigures both Jesus' death and his ultimate resurrection.

Call to Worship
Leader: Let us begin this Holy Week with a sense…