John 12:5

New International Version (NIV)

Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.

For Meditation

The story of Jesus’ anointing at Bethany by Mary with a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume intrigues me every time I read it. Here is a woman who loved Jesus so much that she lavishly spent her expensive perfume on Him. She was moved by the Spirit to fulfill her part in God’s unfolding redemption story that nobody knew about (7-8). But selfish Judas! He scorned Mary for wasting the perfume. “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages” (Jn. 12:5). Ironically, Jesus’ death was for the highest interest of the poor (Lk. 4:18). So, who really loved the poor? Can you imagine the ‘poor’ hearing Judas that day: “What a man who truly loves us! He cares so much for our good.”

I love the Holy Spirit. He revealed the wicked intent of Judas’ corrupt heart. Judas did not care about the poor. He was motivated by his selfish and corrupt desire for opportunity to steal from the money bag as the treasurer. Jesus rebuked him and informed us about the true meaning of Mary’s act of love (Jn. 12:6-7). That’s why I love the Lord. He reveals and clarifies for our understanding and His glory.

1. So, is anything done for Christ a waste?
2. Haven’t you heard criticisms about the necessity of some church expenditure due to lack of spiritual understanding?
3. Don’t people sometimes make such comments about our offering, sacrifice and service to the Lord?
4. How then could any of these offerings, genuinely motivated by love for God and His glory, be wasteful?
5. Do those critics really care about spiritual things anyway? Can they even discern?

I pray you’ll remember Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” The older son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son made the same mistake about his father’s celebration of the return of his prodigal brother (Luke 15:28-30). I pray you don’t do the same.

So: May you examine your real motive before criticizing anything done in service to the Lord, like dancing or praising the Lord in church service. Rather, may you enjoy and rejoice before the Lord with everybody on such occasions – for it is good for your spirit to feast and rejoice before the Lord sometimes!

Shalom