I. Introduction

In tough times, it is comforting to have someone hold our hand, hug us, and walk with us until we feel better. Feeling better means someone cared, lifted our spirits, and gave us hope. Upon entering the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, Jesus encountered a hospitable and considerate family who provided Him with much-needed comfort during a challenging period.

II. Jesus, Mary and Judas

This passage describes a significant honor given to Jesus a week before His final day on earth. He was invited to a lovely dinner at Lazarus, Martha and Mary's home. It was Saturday, the Sabbath, six days before His crucifixion on Good Friday. The next day would be Palm Sunday. This family did not know this, of course. They were still incredibly grateful for the miracle Jesus bestowed upon Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, whom Jesus raised from the dead in the previous passage. They were filled with joy and appreciated His presence, engaging in conversation, and expressing their admiration for Him. But that was not all. Mary brought the most expensive and genuine perfume /oil and anointed His feet with it. This perfume was owned by only the richest people in that region during Jesus’ time, and only a King in the Old Testament would have had the honor to be anointed with such expensive perfume. She brought a large amount and poured all of it over His feet. She viewed Him as their King, and He was worth receiving such royal treatment. In an act of humility, she used her hair to wipe His feet with it. The environment created by this family was beautiful and sweet and filled with gratitude, and their home was filled with the aroma of this perfume.

Jesus was aware that this would be His final occasion with them in this manner, as He knew that He was being pursued by members of the Sanhedrin due to the resurrection of Lazarus. Prior to arriving at their residence in Bethany, He sought refuge in a remote area near the desert, specifically in the village of Ephraim. He remained away from public attention because the timing was not appropriate for Him to be revealed and apprehended by the authorities. He still had more to do before the end came. But here in this loving home, He appreciated the warmth and support.

The gathering was interrupted by Judas, a disciple of Jesus, who questioned why the valuable perfume had not been sold to benefit the poor. It was known that he, who was the treasurer, had taken money from the cash box, and had a reputation for dishonesty. It was apparent that his concern was not for the poor, but rather for the economic worth of the perfume. Jesus intervened promptly, as the interruption was occurring during a significant act bestowed upon Him, the Son of God. Jesus indeed cared for the poor and demonstrated His care in amazing ways, but even the poor would be secondary to the person of Jesus. This holy act which He received from Mary was precious and needed to be respected. Judas needed to learn that money is not more important than the life of the One who came for the salvation of this world. The poor would always be with them, but they would not have Him always. He said this to the person who would later betray Him.

III. Conclusion

In this passage Judas represents those who fail to keep their focus on what is good, right, and what is just and humble. He represents those who are dishonest in their behaviors and think they can get away with it. Jesus stands up against this false representation of care for the poor and presents Himself as the One who came to teach and demonstrate the genuine values of love and care and compassion for those in need, the sick and the poor. He speaks to all of us, and this world to see Him in all His goodness and what He stood for. He seeks to turn our hearts and souls to Him, filling us with His genuine love, compassion, and care, like the oil and perfume Mary used to anoint His feet. May God help us all to spread the love of Christ in word and deed, even when it is risky, because the love of Christ transforms lives, and changes situations of pain and injustice and cruelty. May God have mercy on all of us. Amen