John 12: 1-12
It was more like a ‘thank you’ gathering in Bethany. Martha and her siblings, Lazarus and Mary hosted Jesus and his disciples to a dinner. Many Jews gathered to see not only Jesus but also Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. The thought of resurrection was still very strong in the minds of everyone who came. It was during this gathering that Mary took a very costly perfumed and poured on Jesus. For Mary, it could have been an appreciation offering, but at the time, it meant more. Judas’s reaction typifies and signifies that of people who do not have a great value for the LORD. Their worship of God is shallow and does not touch the skin. For such people, obedience should not be costly- it should be based on convenience.
Jesus used the opportunity to point his audience to the fact of his death. In responding to Judas, he emphasized that he would not always be physically around his disciples.
Lesson– In our relationship with Christ, what pertains to Him cannot be at our own convenience or according to our own plans. We must respond to Him promptly.