Why was the perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor? Contextual Setting of John 12:1-8 Six days before Passover, Jesus arrives at Bethany, is given a supper in His honor, and Mary of Bethany “took about a pint of expensive perfume of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair” (John 12:3). Judas Iscariot objects: “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (v. 5). John immediately unmasks Judas’ hypocrisy, noting, “He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief” (v. 6). Historical and Cultural Value of the Perfume Pure nard (nardos pistikos) was a luxury import from the Himalayas, sealed in alabaster to maintain potency. Archaeological digs at first-century Jericho and Bethany have yielded fragments of such alabaster flasks, validating the Gospel’s cultural detail. Three hundred denarii equaled roughly a full year’s wages for a day laborer (cf. Matthew 20:2). The lavishness of Mary’s act would have stunned onlookers. Personages Involved: Mary, Jesus, Judas Mary consistently appears at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39; John 11:32). Her devotion contrasts with Judas’ emerging betrayal; the narrative’s polarity exposes genuine worship versus self-interest. Jesus receives the act without rebuke, affirming His messianic dignity. Motivations: Worship vs. Hypocrisy John clarifies that Judas’ protest cloaked embezzlement. The Gospel writers often juxtapose external piety with internal corruption (cf. Matthew 6:1-4). Mary’s sacrifice flowed from love; Judas’ suggestion to “help the poor” masked covetous intent, showing that stewardship arguments can be weaponized by hypocrites. Prophetic Significance: Preparation for Burial Jesus answers, “Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume for the day of My burial” (John 12:7). Within a week He would be entombed. Isaiah 53:9 foretold a rich man’s involvement in His burial; the costly nard anticipates that honor. Song of Songs 1:12—“While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance”—foreshadows the scene, strengthening messianic connections. Theological Priorities: Supremacy of Devotion to Christ Scripture repeatedly establishes God’s primacy over all material concerns (Deuteronomy 6:5; Colossians 1:18). Acts of extravagant worship declare Christ’s worthiness. By permitting the anointing, Jesus affirms that honoring God Incarnate supersedes even commendable charitable deeds when the two are in direct competition. Implications for Christian Stewardship and Care for the Poor Jesus immediately balances the issue: “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me” (John 12:8). He echoes Deuteronomy 15:11, which commands perpetual generosity to the poor. The point is not neglect of the needy but recognition of a unique, unrepeatable moment in salvation history. After His resurrection, the apostles indeed institutionalized care for the poor (Acts 4:34-35; Galatians 2:10), demonstrating that Mary’s act did not undermine ongoing benevolence. Consistency with Old Testament Principles The Torah mandated both costly worship (Exodus 30:23-25 anoints Tabernacle furniture with similarly expensive spices) and generosity toward the impoverished. Mary’s action aligns with the precedent that holy moments sometimes call for extraordinary offerings (2 Samuel 24:24). Modern Parallels and Miraculous Continuity Contemporary testimonies of sacrificial giving matched by providential supply—from George Müller’s orphanages to modern medical-mission miracles—mirror Mary’s narrative: extravagant trust releases God-glorifying outcomes. Documented healings in peer-reviewed journals such as Southern Medical Journal (e.g., Brown & Schindler, 2010) illustrate that God still honors faith that places Him first. Conclusion: Why the Perfume Was Not Sold The perfume was not sold because the moment demanded incomparable honor to the Incarnate Son on the eve of His atoning death. Mary’s act fulfilled prophecy, prefigured His burial, publicly affirmed His supreme worth, and contrasted authentic devotion with Judas’ deceitful utilitarianism. Jesus’ defense of the gesture establishes a hierarchy: worship of the living God precedes philanthropy, while never abolishing it. In elevating Christ, the event ultimately magnifies the very One whose resurrection secures both eternal salvation and the power that continues to inspire genuine care for the poor. |
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