Why did Judas criticize Mary's actions in John 12:4, and what was his motive? Setting the Scene—John 12:1-4 • Six days before the Passover, Jesus is at Bethany in the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. • Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with “about a pint of expensive perfume—pure nard.” • John 12:4-5: “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?’” What Judas Said • “Three hundred denarii” equals roughly a laborer’s annual wage—an extravagant sum. • Judas frames his objection as concern for the poor, implying Mary’s act was wasteful. What Scripture Reveals about His Motive John 12:6 exposes the heart issue: “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.” Key points: 1. Judas’ outward words masked an inward greed. 2. His role as treasurer provided opportunity for theft; the larger the contribution, the larger his potential skim. 3. Matthew 26:14-16 records that soon after this event Judas bargained with the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver, confirming covetous tendencies. 4. Luke 22:3 notes, “Then Satan entered Judas called Iscariot,” showing a spiritual dimension behind his actions. Why Judas Criticized Mary • The perfume’s value stirred his covetous heart; if sold, the funds would pass through his hands. • He used a pious-sounding argument (“help the poor”) to cloak personal greed—a tactic Scripture repeatedly warns against (Proverbs 26:24-26; 1 Timothy 6:10). • His criticism aimed to shame Mary and sway the other disciples (cf. Mark 14:4-5, where “some” joined the complaint), revealing his influence. Lessons Drawn from Judas’ Motive • Outward religiosity can hide inward corruption; God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). • Generosity toward Christ is never wasteful; Jesus defends Mary: “Leave her alone… She has anointed Me for My burial” (John 12:7-8). • Love expresses itself extravagantly; greed masks itself respectably. Summary Judas attacked Mary’s devotion not out of genuine concern for charity but because her costly act blocked his opportunity to steal. Scripture unmasks his hypocrisy, contrasting Mary’s wholehearted love with Judas’ self-serving greed. |
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