John 12:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 12Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. Verse 2There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Verse 3Mary 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. Verse 4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, Verse 5"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" Verse 6(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.) Verse 7Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. Verse 8You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." Verse 9When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. Verse 10So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, Verse 11since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
Devotion
Setting aside John's commentary on Judas' motives, he makes a good point that many of us might have asked: Why should we use expensive things in worship when we could give that money to the poor? New paraments, or paying the musicians so much, or having champagne for our Easter celebration: everyone can think of ways we spend money that might seem wasteful. Jesus says that's not always so; spending money in worship and gratitude is sometimes exactly what God wants us to do! Our generosity of time, money, materials and skills makes for a public experience that reminds us of God's overwhelming love and causes others to ask what makes us give so much of ourselves to worship our God.
Prayer
Extravagant God, you rush to give us every good thing that we might have abundant life. Help me be like Mary, giving from that which is most precious so that others might come to know you as the source of compassion and forgiveness. Amen.