Devotion for March 29, 2022
John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
A lot has been made of Mary’s role in this passage. The custom was so intimate and extravagant, but also one with significant cultural relevance. You can read all about that in other places. Have you ever considered the role the parenthetical citation in this passage? John is taking no shortcuts to let us know his understanding of the true nature of Judas, “the one who was about to betray him.” Judas who acts offended at this wasteful act of Mary. And many people have used his words here to denigrate Mary, even women in general. But the parenthetical citation that follows is not to be missed. Judas wasn’t upset at the act on principle. He was upset because he missed a significant financial score that could have been made by the sell and deposit of funds from which he was stealing.
Judas was a rascal with selfish motives. He attacks Mary, and though we know this we still misread Jesus’ response for relating to the poor, not as a way to deal with rascals. Yes, the poor will always be with us. No this is not an injunction to be wasteful. It is a response of Jesus possibly saying to Judas, “I’ve had about enough of you. Leave her alone. She values my ways and teachings far more than you ever will.” Jesus recognized and affirmed the humanity of Mary more than valuing the cost of the anointing. He calls out the hypocrisy of Judas.
Lent is a painful season of reflection and sacrifice. I ask myself these questions as I reflect on my role in this story. When have I acted like Judas, missing the beauty of the divine because I’m beholden to other motives? When have I used this story to justify my own interests? How do I need to be wasteful in my adoration of Jesus? I invite you to meditate on these things as well.
Today’s devotion is brought to you by Campbell University’s Center for Church & Community.