2 smelly men

(You may wish to look away now if you plan to listen to me preaching tomorrow).

The evangelist John is not only an eyewitness but a nose witness. In chapters 11 and 12 he contrasts two smelly men, both men who smell of death, Jesus and Lazarus. But Lazarus stinketh (or so at least his sister fears, according to the Authorised Version). Jesus on the other hand smells of a beautiful, rich, sweet perfume which prepares his body for death, and, indeed, which fills the whole house. Lazarus too takes on the pleasing aroma of Jesus as the Anointed one is anointed.