What Is Your Motive? #260

John 12:1-8 Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, *said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” 6 Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it.                7 Therefore Jesus said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”

Jesus is back at the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. He is again eating a meal in their home. This time instead of Martha complaining about Mary’s lack of service we find her serving supper without complaint. Mary is again at Jesus’ feet this time with a pound of very costly perfume. On another occasion Mary is at Jesus’ feet listening to Him. She now breaks open the perfume container and begins to anoint the feet of Jesus, wiping His feet with her hair.

She has possibly purchased the perfume or saved it for the purpose of anointing Jesus body for burial. Jesus tells Judas to “leave her alone” because she is using it for burial. The fragrance of the perfume filled the house. It likely brought back the memory of the stench of Lazarus’ body at his death. Such a contrast in smells.

But it was Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus who complained of misusing the  perfume. He complained that it could have been sold for 300 denarii, a year’s salary, and given to the poor. His motive was not pure. He was the treasurer of the disciples and the scripture says he pilfered the treasury box. In other words he was not only a betrayer but also a thief. What are you doing with what you have? Are you remembering Jesus? Are you giving to Him? Jesus reminded them that there would always be needy people around. Mary was doing the right thing.         

____________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Hope you have had a wonderful week. I have been especially blessed by spending time with my five grandsons. Burke and Bennett started school this week, and Collin starts on the sixth of August. We spent this past week fishing, hunting and playing at the local water park. Needless to say I was a bit tired afterward. 

Burke and I went hunting for rabbits (the only thing in season in AZ right now.)  He made his first kill. The other two boys decided hunting was not for them. Burke shot the rabbit with my Dad's old 22 rifle that was purchased in 1933 from Sears and Roebuck for a cost of $3.75. It was also the first rifle I ever shot. It brought back lots of memories. 

Johnny may be helping me with my sermons now.

Sunday I preached at Northpointe Baptist Church. They are currently looking for a Pastor. Pray for them. They are a wonderful church with great potential. 

Sandy's Bible study starts in a little over a month. She is excited about teaching the Book of Ruth. She is spending time preparing. Of course she still makes time to watch the two little grandsons, Johnny and Justin. 

We are still rejoicing over our time on vacation. Seeing so many of you while in MO and AR was a real boost. I personally was ENCOURAGED. 

God bless you all. Hope this week is filled with new adventures, new friends, and a renewed walk with God.  ~ DGW