Christy McHugh–Preparation and Purification is the focus for our new series set in the Passion week. The week starts on Sunday (March 29, AD 33) as Jesus enters Jerusalem and visits the temple. It continues each day from Monday through to the following Sunday and the gospels share intimate moments of Jesus’s walk towards the cross. Culminating in His death and resurrection on Sunday April 5th, AD 33.

What happens just before Jesus's final week set's us up to prepare our hearts for Easter. In John 12, we find the account of the anointing of Jesus by Mary, this act was extreme, offensive to many, but of such importance to Jesus that in his words, the gospel story will be incomplete without including what she did. What was the symbolism behind Jesus being anointed with oil? Firstly, is preparation for his burial. Preparation involves anticipation of what is to come and a process. Secondly, customary use of being anointed with oil is in declaring authority, specifically for the High Priest or Kings.

As we consider how Jesus was prepared for his final week, prepared for burial and declared King, may this highlight ways we can prepare ourselves for one of the most history defining moments our world has know.