John 12:4-5 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.”
In today’s scripture we see a bit more of the true nature of Judas Iscariot. He objects to Mary’s anointing of Jesus because he, Judas, is a thief, helping himself to the money in the treasury entrusted to him. This, for me, raises all sorts of questions. Jesus knows Judas’s heart. He knows his character. He knows his ultimate betrayal.
John 12:6 He 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.
So why does Jesus put Judas in the position to eventually betray Him? Why does He break bread with him, pray with him, trust him? Is there a lesson here about redemption or a reinforcement of the idea that evil can be used to accomplish good? What am I supposed to do with Jesus’s love of Judas, despite the fact that 1. Judas seems an unsavory character and 2. Judas is going to betray Jesus?
John 12:7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.
Lord, I feel like there is something here—in the character of Judas or in his inclusion with the disciples, in Your love of him even though You know Judas will betray You—there is something here that You are trying to show me, trying to help me see, but I don’t know what it is. Help me to understand what You are whispering to my heart. Show me Your wisdom. Help me to glorify You. Amen.
John 12:8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
Have a blessed day.