How should we respond to others' acts of devotion, unlike Judas in John 12:4? Setting the Scene “Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3) Judas’s Misguided Reaction “But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, 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) Why Judas Objected • Hidden greed (v. 6) • Spiritual blindness to Christ’s worth (v. 5) • Critical spirit masked as piety (v. 5) Principles for a Christlike Response to Others’ Devotion • Rejoice, don’t resent ‑ “Oh, magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:3) • Inspect motives inwardly, not outwardly ‑ “Watch over your heart with all diligence.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Avoid snap judgments ‑ “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” (Romans 14:4) • Recognize sacrificial worship as beautiful to Jesus ‑ “She has done a beautiful deed to Me… wherever the gospel is preached, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” (Mark 14:6-9) • Celebrate generosity toward Christ and His people ‑ “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name.” (Hebrews 6:10) • Guard against envy and greed ‑ “Put to death… greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5) • Encourage and build up ‑ “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Practical Ways to Respond Well • Speak words of affirmation when others honor Christ. • Thank God privately for the example you just witnessed. • Let their devotion inspire deeper personal worship. • Support them tangibly if appropriate—help, give, serve alongside. • Keep your own giving quiet and sincere (Matthew 6:3-4). • Redirect any critical thought into self-examination before God. Blessings That Follow an Affirming Spirit • Unity and shared joy in the body (Philippians 2:1-2). • A fragrant witness that points to Jesus (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). • Assurance that the Father “who sees in secret will reward” (Matthew 6:4). |
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