Leave Her Alone

Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and were asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?” Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should let them know, so that they might arrest him. Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” John 11:55—12:8

In our world, we often honor those who give large amounts to charitable organizations, often from their plenty. It makes everyone feel wonderful when an charity receives a million dollar donation. Yet the gifts that keep the charities alive are often the day in day out service and giving of those who have the least, putting part of their small salaries and hug amounts of time so others can thrive. Jesus encounters such an selfless person. Yet Judas sees only the money. Jesus sees her heart, her gift. her humility. May we live so that Jesus can know our hearts, our gifts and our humility.

Gracious Creator, you supply all our needs

you send rains during the drought times

and people who serve those in great need

and give us enough to share with others.

Help us today to not count the costs

rather let us offer whatever we have

for the good and blessing of others

so your love might be known in our service. Amen.