How does Judas' behavior in John 12:4 contrast with true discipleship? Setting the Scene John 12 opens with Jesus in Bethany, six days before Passover. Mary anoints His feet with costly perfume as an act of worship. The narrative pauses in vv. 4-6 to spotlight Judas’ reaction: “But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was going to betray Him, asked, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ 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 take from what was put into it.” (John 12:4-6) Judas’ Heart Exposed • Greed: John identifies Judas as a thief long before the betrayal (v. 6). • Hypocrisy: He feigns concern for the poor while masking selfish motives. • Self-promotion: Judas values money and influence over devotion to Christ (cf. Matthew 26:14-16). • Rejection of worship: Instead of rejoicing in Mary’s lavish honor, he criticizes it. • Foreshadowed betrayal: The phrase “who was going to betray Him” links his complaint to ultimate disloyalty. Marks of a True Disciple • Wholehearted worship: Mary “anointed the feet of Jesus” (John 12:3). True disciples pour out costly devotion without reservation (cf. Romans 12:1). • Self-denial: “If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24) • Genuine love: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) • Integrity in stewardship: Giving arises from a pure heart, “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Obedient faith: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) Side-by-Side Contrast • Motivation – Judas: personal gain, appearance of charity – Disciple: Christ-centered love, genuine charity • Relationship to Jesus – Judas: outward allegiance, inward rejection – Disciple: inward devotion, outward obedience • Use of Resources – Judas: appropriation for self – Disciple: sacrifice for Christ and others (Luke 21:1-4) • Legacy – Judas: betrayal and ruin (Acts 1:18-19) – Disciple: fruit that remains (John 15:8) Lessons for Our Walk Today • Check the heart behind every good-sounding objection—motives matter to God. • Sacrificial worship may appear wasteful to the world, but Jesus calls it “beautiful” (Matthew 26:10). • Hidden sin corrodes discipleship; transparency and repentance preserve integrity. • True followers embrace self-denial and lavish devotion, trusting that no gift to Christ is ever lost. |
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