What is the meaning of John 12:8? Context John records a dinner at Bethany six days before Passover (John 12:1-3). Mary pours costly perfume on Jesus; Judas objects, claiming the money should have gone to the poor (John 12:4-6). Jesus defends Mary and adds, “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.” Mark 14:6-9 and Matthew 26:10-13 give the same scene, underscoring its importance. The poor you will always have with you • Jesus echoes Deuteronomy 15:11: “There will never cease to be poor people in the land.” • He is not excusing neglect; He is reminding the disciples of an ongoing, lifelong responsibility. Acts 6:1-4, Galatians 2:10, and James 1:27 show the early church taking this charge seriously. • Poverty’s persistence calls believers to constant compassion, generosity, and stewardship (Proverbs 19:17; 1 John 3:17). • By stating this first, Jesus affirms that caring for the poor is normal kingdom life—yet another opportunity will always arise. but you will not always have Me • Jesus speaks of His imminent death, resurrection, and ascension (John 13:33; 16:5-7). • A unique, unrepeatable moment is at hand: the Messiah is physically present and moving toward the cross (John 12:23-24). • Mary’s lavish worship is therefore appropriate and timely; she seizes a once-in-history opportunity to honor Him (Mark 14:8-9). • The statement also foreshadows the transition from seeing Jesus with the eyes to knowing Him by faith through the Spirit (John 20:29; 2 Corinthians 5:7). summary Jesus’ words set priorities without diminishing compassion. Poverty remains a constant call to care, yet devotion to Christ takes first place when moments of worship present themselves. Mary grasped that the Savior’s bodily presence was fleeting; her act teaches believers to value Him above every other worthy cause while still remembering “the poor we will always have with us.” |
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