What does John 12:5 teach about valuing spiritual priorities over material concerns? Setting the Scene John 12:5 – “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” • Mary has just poured costly nard on Jesus’ feet (John 12:3). • Judas Iscariot objects, assigning a market value—“three hundred denarii,” roughly a laborer’s annual wage. • The challenge frames a clash between spiritual devotion and material calculation. Two Hearts on Display • Mary’s heart: adoration, gratitude, surrender. She “kept it for the day of My burial” (John 12:7). • Judas’ heart: pretense cloaking greed—“He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief” (John 12:6). • Lesson: motives, not mere words, reveal true priorities. Spiritual Priorities Trump Material Concerns • Jesus welcomes Mary’s lavish act: “Leave her alone,” affirming that honoring Him is never wasted (John 12:7-8). • Value is measured by eternal significance, not resale price. • Authentic worship sometimes appears extravagant to a materialistic mindset. Supporting Scriptures • Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • Colossians 3:1-2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Instruct those who are rich… to be generous and willing to share… so that they may lay hold of the life that is truly life.” • Luke 10:41-42 – Mary of Bethany again: “Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” Principles for Disciples Today • Worship that costs is worship that counts. • Material resources are tools, not treasures; Christ Himself is the treasure (Matthew 13:44-46). • Generosity toward the poor is commanded (Deuteronomy 15:11), yet it must flow from pure devotion, not self-seeking posturing. • Guard against cloaking greed in pious language. • Evaluate spending, giving, and serving by one question: does this elevate Christ? Practical Applications • Inventory the “nard” you possess—time, talents, finances—and ask how it might be poured out on Jesus. • Test motives: is a proposed expense truly for God’s glory or personal display? • Treat regular giving and spontaneous extravagance toward Christ as complementary, not competing. • Cultivate discernment: noble-sounding objections can mask selfish interests. • Celebrate acts of devotion in others instead of critiquing their “inefficiency.” Key Takeaway John 12:5 exposes how material reasoning can undervalue spiritual reality. True discipleship counts no gift too great when offered to the One who is worthy of all. |
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