The Woman Who Loved Just Right--John 12:1-8 (II)

Why does John allow Judas to have the first words in responding to Mary's actions? Often, as we are well aware, it is the first person on the scene that is given the power to interpret what has just taken place, and subsequent people often have to develop their explanations in reference to this initial interpretation. This is the only place in the pre-resurrection life of Jesus where we are given an explanation of why Judas may have betrayed Jesus--bad character. It will have to do with money. In fact, that Judas later sought 30 pieces of silver as payment for betrayal of Jesus may indicate that this was his lost "cut" of the "distribution" which he might have taken had the perfume been sold and the money distributed to the poor.

Before we are too quick to rise up and condemn Judas, we should realize that as treasurer of the group he was probably the one who always had to be the first to be concerned about money. We know that Jesus was supported by some wealthy benefactors (Luke 8:1-2), and so someone had to have some financial sense in his group. If his words are right, that the perfume could have gotten 300 denarii at a sale, we are talking about a year's wages for a worker in that time (cf. Mt. 20:2). Judas has a bit of a point, as often those who are versed in financial matters do. But Jesus, who now speaks, wants to direct attention to another point.

IV. Jesus Speaks (vv. 7-8)

Jesus' words include his much quoted and misunderstood v. 8: "You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me with you." We need to understand Jesus' words in the context of Judas' words. That is, Judas was the first one to interpret Mary's action, and now Jesus is interpreting Judas' interpretation. Judas has said that it was a shame that the poor weren't served in this situation. Indeed, the Book of Proverbs, among many other Biblical books, stresses the importance of giving to the poor or treating them justly (e.g., "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full," 19:17; "Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor," 22:9; "Those who mock the poor insult their Maker," 17:5). Thus, Judas was on fine Biblical ground in making his point.

But Jesus' answer is a twofold one. He says that her action is not really about the poor but about something else; and that something else is preparing Jesus for his death and burial. Just as we might say that when a one-time experience comes along in life we had better put our all into pursuing it, so Jesus is saying that Mary had basically gotten her priorities straight. In this moment, the call of God was to respond to Jesus in preparation for his death. The poor will be there in God's special time and in "ordinary" time, and there will be plenty of time to minister to their needs.

Conclusion

Mary has demonstrated that she knows what is supremely important in life--to give of her best, with all her heart, in an action of selfless giving, to her Lord. By giving all she had she loves "just right." And, her example not only affected Jesus deeply (Matthew has Jesus conclude his version of the story with these words: "Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her," Mt. 26:13), but it is a continual challenge to us 2000 years later. In what ways, as we approach this Easter Day, are we unreservedly pouring out ourselves to God? In which ways do we hold back? In which ways to we give a "Judas-like" financial explanation of ours or others' gifts? Mary's extreme action challenges us, then, on a number of levels today. How do you hear her?

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