Born in the Flesh
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the Virgin Mary. He was fully God and fully man, just like any other human being. He lived a normal life, breathing, eating, working, and even having blood relatives through His mother. He was the creator of all things and came to earth as a humble man. He chose ordinary working-class people to help Him in His ministry. Throughout His time on earth, He faced temptations but never sinned. He had a constant connection with His Father, God, who was pleased with Him. Jesus is the perfect and unblemished Lamb of God.
Anointed for burial
Just two days before Passover, a woman came to Jesus while he was dining at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany. She brought with her an alabaster box filled with valuable spikenard ointment. She broke the box and poured the ointment over his head. Some guests were upset, arguing that the spikenard could have been sold and the money donated to the poor. Jesus responded by reminding them that the poor will always be present; she has anointed me for my burial.
The Cost of Restoration
The events leading up to the bride price start on the night before the crucifixion, in the Garden of Gethsemane. As the burden of mankind’s sin weighs heavily on Jesus, His sorrow becomes so deep that it feels as though He is dying. In His anguish, He pleads with the Father, seeking an alternative path. In answer, God sends an angel to provide Him with strength. The intensity of His distress causes His capillaries to rupture, resulting in Him sweating blood. Fully immersed in prayer, Jesus leans in and continues to pray with even greater fervor.
Meanwhile, as the weight of the moment engulfs them, the disciples succumb to lethargy and drift off to sleep. In the midst of this excruciating period, Jesus takes a pause to attend to His disciples, urging them to engage in prayer. After resuming His own prayer, He once again implores, “Father, is there another path?” Finally, with utmost sincerity, He concludes, “I submit to Your will.” This cycle repeats itself thrice before the decisive moment arrives and He is apprehended. Upon realizing Jesus’ intention to surrender, the disciples desert Him and scatter in fear.
