1Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pinta 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.
4But 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.b ” 6He 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. 8You will always have the poor among you,c but you will not always have me.”
9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. (John 12:1-10)
Thoughts: John describes Bethany as "where Lazarus lived" (NIV) or "where Lazaerus was" (KJV). Matthew's account has Jesus coming the house of Simon the Leper. Some would just give up and say "scripture contradicts itself." But if we wrestle with the text we may see that this is recording the same event from two different angles. The resurrection of Lazarus probably menat that the name of Bethany had changed to "the place where Lazarus lived." Lazarus could have lived with Simon the Leper and we do not need to assume he lived with his sisters. Regardless, this was in Bethany- a very small town not too far from the Mount of Olives. Other differences are that Matthew did not name the woman while John names her as Mary. Both have this event happening at the end of Jesus ministry and indicate this rite was a symbol of Jesus' death. Mary was no doubt grateful that her brother was raised by Jesus and gave extravagantly to Him. If we are convinced truly that Jesus gives us life- here and in the life to come- perhaps we will not be so reticent to give to Him, but would be grateful.
The other really important thing is that Mary's extravagant gift was criticized by Judas (according to John) while Matthew adds other disciples joined in the criticism. We often do not understand why people give the way they do, but we should reserve judgment. The Spirit may prompt one to give to missions (and we may not understand that), while another may be prompted to give to buildings. Perhaps another thing to realize is that the Church does not exist solely to help the poor, There is no doubt the Church is supposed to help the poor and love their neighbor. But we do not need to forget the other command to love God. Mary showed love for God by her act of worship. Jesus was saying there is a time to give like this and perhaps inferring there is a time not to ("To everything there is a season"- Eccles. 3:1). Jesus was not saying to not give to the poor because it is helpless to do so, but that while He was on earth it would be appropriate for an act of worship. So today there is a place to give to enhance the worship of God as well as helping the poor.
The other really important thing is that Mary's extravagant gift was criticized by Judas (according to John) while Matthew adds other disciples joined in the criticism. We often do not understand why people give the way they do, but we should reserve judgment. The Spirit may prompt one to give to missions (and we may not understand that), while another may be prompted to give to buildings. Perhaps another thing to realize is that the Church does not exist solely to help the poor, There is no doubt the Church is supposed to help the poor and love their neighbor. But we do not need to forget the other command to love God. Mary showed love for God by her act of worship. Jesus was saying there is a time to give like this and perhaps inferring there is a time not to ("To everything there is a season"- Eccles. 3:1). Jesus was not saying to not give to the poor because it is helpless to do so, but that while He was on earth it would be appropriate for an act of worship. So today there is a place to give to enhance the worship of God as well as helping the poor.
Prayer: Help me to remember you are worthy of my time and gifts. All I have is a gift from you- my life here and my life to come. Help me to balance giving to the needy and giving to you.
(Below- Mural of Mary's anointing of Jesus in Bethany church, Israel).
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