Scripture

“You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.”

Observation

Jesus warns His disciples that He will shortly be handed over to be crucified. At the same time, the leading priests and elders are meeting together to plot how they will capture Jesus and kill Him.

While Jesus is at the home of a man called Simon in Bethany, a woman comes in carrying an alabaster jar of perfume. She pours it over Jesus’ head. The disciples grumble about how the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor.

Jesus asks them why they are criticising her for doing a good thing for Him. The poor will always be with them, but she has poured out love for Jesus.

After this, Judas goes to the priests and agrees on a price to betray Jesus.

Application

In this short passage, we see some divergent attitudes to money and wealth.

Judas seems to have been interested in money for its own sake, as are many in the world today.

The unnamed woman used her wealth to pour out love and adoration on Jesus.

The disciples think that this money should have been used for something practical rather than “wasted” on Jesus.

The important thing underlying these reactions is the heart attitude towards Jesus. Sometimes we get lost in the need to keep the money coming in for our own needs or for our ministry, or we may forget that our primary mission os to honour Jesus, not to feed the hungry.

Christians can be critical of others for spending money on projects that they do not approve of. Why “waster” money on a building or a basketball court, when it could be used for what I think its important?

If somebody chooses to give money for a building project or a new car for their pastor, if they are doing it from a genuine love for the Lord, who am I to criticise?

Prayer

Lord, please give me grace to rejoice in every expression of worship and adoration of you. Amen.