Photo by Mareefe on Pexels.com

John 12:4-8

Joh 12:4 But Judas Iscariot – one of his disciples, (who was about to betray him), said,

Joh 12:5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?”

Joh 12:6 But he didn’t say this because he was concerned about the poor people, he said it because he was a thief instead. He carried the money-bag and had access to what was put in it.

Joh 12:7 That was why Jesus said, “Leave her alone; it was for the day of preparation for my burial that she has kept it.

Joh 12:8 Because the poor people you are always having among you, but me you are not always having.”

two opportunities

Jesus is not against being generous to poor people, and I am grateful for that. But I am also grateful for this story, because it validates times of extravagant worship. Sometimes we need to get together and just love on Christ. Until he comes again, we will always have needs that demand our attention. But we dare not let those needs crowd out the joy of his presence, or the opportunity to show our appreciation to him.

Judas saw an opportunity to capitalize on the business aspect of charity. Mary saw an opportunity to worship. It is no secret whom we should try to emulate.