John 12:1-8
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
I love this story. It is full of human ethos, intrigue, self-righteousness, hypocrisy, and love. Judas’ concern for the poor is hypocritical and self-righteous, and down-right deceptive. Mary’s act is one of extravagant love. Jesus’ defense of her is powerful and prophetic.
But I especially love the fact that Jesus, here, does not decry Mary’s wealth, tell her to sell her possessions and give to the poor. He has no words that express the grave challenge facing the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven. Mary is already there! She is at Jesus’ feet, loving and serving him, honoring him as is worthy a king.
Sometimes we may wonder about our own wealth – especially in these heady days of affluence and wealth. I realize there is a grave economic recession upon us, but look at our teeming airports, bustling cities, and rush-hour packed highways: We’re quite affluent, even in the midst of our recessions! What about the poor, the endless opportunities to sell all we have and move to Haiti, Ethiopia, or Nepal, or the pan-handler on the corner? Where do beautiful church buildings, new (costly) ministry initiatives, or expensive bottles of perfume fit into that picture?
It is clear on this occasion that Jesus is pleased with Mary’s gift. That might well inform how we use our wealth well. Rather than decry the misuse of others’ wealth, our calling is to use our wealth as we have opportunity to honor Christ as king of our hearts and King of kings. We don’t always have the direct opportunity to do that. But when we do, nothing is too good for him!
David Bahn - Reflections 
Leave a comment