The Best Backstory

“Six days before the Passover…a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor…in the home of Simon the Leper.” John 12:1, Mark 14:3  

High school graduation was last Saturday, and since well over half of the seniors were in my class either this year or last, I spent the entire ceremony whispering tidbits about each one to my husband.  The situations and struggles many of the students had faced and overcome made their diplomas mean much more than just a pretty piece of paper.  Seeing them walk across the stage was special because the back story made it a better story.

Such was so in Bethany where “six days before the Passover…a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor”(Jn 12:1).  While Jesus was there, “reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume.  She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head”(Mk 14:3).  

Mary’s sacrifice gets top billing, and rightfully so, but the setting of the supper provides backstory that makes the entire event more meaningful.  It seems we don’t have much to go on—“A dinner was given in Jesus’ honor in the home of Simon the Leper”—but that little is enough.  We can be sure that the guy who hosted the party to honor Jesus had good reason to break out the balloons.  In other words, at some point during the past three years, Simon had surely been healed by our Lord.

We’re not told how long Simon had leprosy, but it was long enough for the disease to become his identity. (Think about it—no one calls me Starla the Sicko because I once had strep throat for two weeks.)  This horrid malady that ravaged a person physically, emotionally, and socially had separated Simon from his family, community, job, and church until Someone came along who had not only pity but also power.  With one touch, word, or glance—we’re not privy to those details—Jesus restored Simon’s body and spirit. Suddenly, Simon could do what he never thought possible.  He could hug his family, greet his neighbors, head to work, and walk into worship. So what did Simon do when he was healed?  He opened his home to honor his Healer. 

Simon’s not the only one who should be flinging wide the door.  We’ve been healed from much worse than a skin disease—we’ve been healed from a sin disease that not only made us sick but already had us in the grave. “We were dead in our trespasses and sins…but God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ”(Eph 2:1-5).  Such grace invites great celebration—celebration centered on the One who has not only pity but also power and who chooses to use His strength to save us now and forever.  

Christians have a backstory of rescue and redemption that makes each moment of our lives have meaning and purpose.  All we say and all we do should honor the Healer of our hearts and lives.

The best backstory is the one that puts Jesus up front.

Let the praise party begin—and never end!