his disciples by reminding them of what he must receive at the hands of the leaders of the people.  The few months preceding his final appearance in Jerusalem had been devoted to the journey to the cross.  This explains the note of tragedy which appears in his teachings at this period.  The people had shown that they would none of his ministry.  In this they had written their national and religious death warrant, and as he approached Jerusalem for the final crisis he declared, though with almost breaking heart, “Your house is left unto you desolate” (Luke xiii. 31-35).  Each new effort of Jesus to turn aside the impending judgment of his people by winning their acceptance of himself and his message resulted in a new certainty of his ultimate rejection, and thus in confirmation of the early recognized necessity, that, if he continued the work God had given him to do, he should suffer many things, and die at the hands of his own people.

178.  The last chapter in his public ministry began with his arrival at Bethany six days before the Passover.  It is probable that the caravan with which Jesus was travelling reached Bethany not far from the sunset which marked the beginning of the Sabbath preceding the feast.  Jesus had friends there who gladly gave him entertainment, and the Sabbath was doubtless spent quietly in this retreat.  The holy day closed with the setting sun, and then his hosts were able to show him the special attention which they desired.  The general cordiality of welcome expressed itself in a feast given in the house of one Simon, a leper who had probably experienced the power of Jesus to heal.  He may have been a relative also of Lazarus, for Martha assisted in the entertainment, and Lazarus was one of the guests of honor (Mark xiv. 3; John xii. 2).  During the feast, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, poured forth on the head and feet of Jesus a box of the rarest perfume.  This act of costly adoration seemed extravagant to some, particularly to one of Jesus’ disciples, who complained that the money could have been better spent.  This criticism of one who had not counted cost in her service was rebuked by Jesus, who defended and commended Mary; for in the act he recognized her fear that he might not be long with her (Mark xiv. 8; John xii. 7).  It is probable that this rebuke, with the clear reference to his approaching death, led Judas to decide to abandon the apparently waning cause of his Master, and bargain with the leaders in Jerusalem to betray him (Mark xiv. 3-11).

179.  The day following the supper at Bethany—­that is, the first day of the week—­witnessed the welcome of Jesus to Jerusalem by the jubilant multitudes.  His mode of entering the city affords a marked contrast to his treatment of the determination to make him king after he had fed the multitudes in Galilee (John vi. 15).  In some respects the circumstances were similar.  A multitude of the visitors to the feast, hearing that Jesus was at Bethany on his way