John 12
John 12: A Contrast Between Mary and Judas
The story found in John 12 offers us a powerful glimpse into two very different responses to Jesus—one of deep devotion and the other of self-interest. As Jesus dines with His disciples, an act of profound love from Mary stands in stark contrast to Judas’s reaction, revealing key insights about the heart of each individual. Let's unpack the contrasts between these two figures and reflect on the deeper spiritual truths found in this chapter.
Mary’s Act of Devotion: A Gesture of Selfless Worship
At the heart of the story, we see Mary’s extravagant act of love. She anoints Jesus’ feet with an expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair, anointing the Savior in a display of deep reverence and worship. This act is not just a physical gesture, but a symbolic representation of the honor she gives to Jesus. It is a moment of humble adoration, where Mary shows that her treasure is Jesus Himself, not the things of this world.
In a culture where such a gesture would be considered extravagant and even inappropriate, Mary’s actions reveal her deep devotion and her understanding of who Jesus truly is. In that moment, her love for Jesus transcends the value of the perfume—it’s an offering of her heart.
Judas’s Reaction: The Voice of Greed and Self-Interest
In stark contrast, Judas Iscariot’s response to Mary’s act is one of criticism and condemnation. He argues that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. At first glance, this might seem like a reasonable suggestion, but the passage quickly reveals his true motives. Judas was not concerned about the poor; he was a thief who regularly pilfered from the moneybag.
Judas’s reaction highlights a key contrast to Mary’s devotion: while Mary’s focus was on Jesus, Judas’s focus was on wealth and personal gain. His criticism reflects his heart’s true treasure—money—rather than a genuine love for Jesus or concern for the poor. Judas represents the self-centeredness that can so easily creep into our hearts when we are more concerned with worldly possessions than with what truly matters: our relationship with Christ.
The Deeper Meaning: Where Your Treasure Is
This passage brings to mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:21: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Mary’s treasure is unmistakably Jesus—she pours out her most valuable possession, the perfume, as a sign of her deep love and worship. For Judas, however, his treasure lies in money, which ultimately leads him to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver in the coming chapters. This stark contrast is a reminder for us to examine what we truly value in our own lives.
What is the treasure that occupies your heart? Are we focused on the things Jesus provides, like comfort, community, and prosperity, or do we value Jesus Himself above all else? Understanding this distinction can have profound implications for how we live out our faith.
Lazarus: The Transformative Power of Belief
The story of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus, adds another layer to the narrative of John 12. Lazarus’s revival leads many to believe in Jesus, yet it also triggers opposition from the religious leaders who see Jesus as a threat. Lazarus’s story illustrates the transformative power of belief in Jesus, but it also highlights how different people respond to that power. Some embrace the life-changing work of Christ, while others resist it.
As we reflect on this, we are reminded that encountering Jesus invites a choice. Will we respond like Mary, in devotion and worship, or like Judas, in self-interest and betrayal?
Final Thoughts: What Truly Matters in Our Relationship with Jesus
As we finish reflecting on John 12, we are called to examine what matters most in our relationship with Jesus. Are we focused on His gifts, or is Jesus Himself the true treasure in our lives? Mary’s act of devotion and Judas’s reaction both invite us to evaluate where our hearts lie.
John 12 challenges us to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal, from selfish gain to selfless devotion. It reminds us that following Jesus isn’t about seeking comfort or prosperity, but about laying down our lives in worship and surrender to the One who is our true treasure.
