John 12:1-8
True Worship: Compassionate Care for the Poor
The Gospel of John, Chapter 12, verses 1-8, offers us a profound message about worship, service, and the significance of compassionate care. As we delve into this passage, we find Jesus at Bethany, where a dinner was hosted in His honor. This event occurs just days before the Passover and features familiar figures like Martha, who served, and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
During this meal, Mary performed an act of extraordinary devotion. She poured an expensive perfume—pure nard, worth a year’s wages—on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. However, not everyone appreciated this act of worship. Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would later betray Jesus, objected, questioning why the perfume was not sold and the proceeds given to the poor.
John, the gospel writer, doesn’t mince words about Judas’ intentions. He notes that Judas did not genuinely care about the poor but was a thief, helping himself to the money entrusted to the disciples. Jesus responded, "Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
The Heart of Worship
Mary’s act was one of selfless devotion, a moment of worship that revealed her deep love for Jesus. It’s a reminder that worship is not confined to rituals or offerings but flows from a heart full of gratitude and reverence. However, this passage also challenges us to reflect on the intersection of worship and social responsibility.
Judas’ reaction reminds us of how easy it is to mask selfish motives under the guise of righteousness. He criticized Mary’s act, not because he cared for the poor, but because he saw an opportunity for personal gain.
A lady answered her door one day to find a man standing there with a sad expression. "I'm sorry to disturb you," he began. "I'm collecting money for an unfortunate family in this neighborhood. The husband is out of work, the kids are hungry, their utilities have been cut off, and they're about to be evicted from their apartment if they don’t pay the rent by this afternoon." The lady was deeply moved by his plea. "Oh, that’s heartbreaking," she said. "I’d be happy to help. But may I ask—who are you?" The man hesitated for a moment and then replied, "I’m the landlord."
This hypocrisy is a cautionary tale for us to examine the sincerity of our actions, particularly when serving others.
Judging Poverty
In today’s world, many of us are quick to judge those in poverty, often attributing their circumstances to personal failings. However, as Christians, we are called to resist such judgment. Poverty is complex, shaped by factors like systemic inequality, generational struggles, and unforeseen hardships. Jesus’ response in this passage reminds us that caring for the poor is not optional—it is integral to our faith and worship.
Worship Through Service
True worship encompasses more than praising God with words or offerings. It includes extending compassionate care to those in need. While Judas tried to pit worship against caring for the poor, Jesus showed us they are inseparable. Giving to God does not exclude helping others; rather, helping others is a vital expression of our love for God.
As we reflect on Mary’s act of pouring out expensive perfume, we are reminded that our offerings—whether to God or the poor—must come from a place of compassion and not out of personal interest. Giving is not merely about surplus; it’s about sacrifice. Can we, like Mary, give generously even when it costs us dearly?
Poverty: A Reality and an Opportunity
Poverty is a global reality. According to the United Nations, poverty is the inability to have choices and opportunities and is a violation of human dignity. The World Bank reports that 1.2 billion people go to bed hungry every night. That’s about 15 out of every 100 people in the world.
In countries like the United States, where even the poorest have access to basic necessities, it’s easy to forget the stark reality of hunger and deprivation in other parts of the world. Yet, the food wasted in affluent societies could feed millions. This imbalance calls for urgent attention and action.
Jesus teaches us that poverty is not a distraction from worship but an integral part of it. Caring for the poor is not about charity alone; it is about justice and solidarity.
Lessons From the Old Testament
The Mosaic Law provides profound insights into God’s heart for the poor. In Deuteronomy 15:11, God commands the Israelites to be open-handed toward the poor. The concept of the Jubilee year, as outlined in Leviticus 25, ensured that every 50th year, debts were forgiven, and lands were returned to their original owners. This practice prevented generational poverty and ensured economic balance.
In the system of the Jubilee year, no one could own property permanently. Property ownership was limited to 50 years, after which everything would be reset and balanced out.
The Jubilee system also addressed debts. When someone borrowed money, the borrower would temporarily become bound to the creditor. Any income earned during this period would go toward reducing the debt. However, over time, due to various circumstances, many borrowers could not repay their debts in full and became perpetual debtors. This often led to a cycle of servitude and poverty.
To stabilize the economic conditions and prevent families from becoming permanently landless and impoverished, Moses established the Jubilee year as commanded by God. Every 50th year, the Israelites would celebrate this year of restoration. All leased or mortgaged lands were returned to their original owners, all debts were forgiven, and everyone started anew with a clean slate.
The Jubilee year was indeed good news for the poor, ensuring they had opportunities to recover and rebuild. This concept aligns with Jesus’ declaration at the beginning of His ministry, when He said He came to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor—the ultimate Jubilee year of deliverance and restoration for the poor and oppressed.
Jesus proclaimed this Jubilee spirit at the start of His ministry, declaring good news to the poor, freedom for the oppressed, and recovery for the blind (Luke 4:18-19). His ministry consistently prioritized the marginalized, challenging us to do the same.
A Call to Action
This passage calls us to emulate Christ’s compassion. It challenges us to open our hands and hearts to those in need, not out of surplus but even in scarcity. True Christian service is about prioritizing others, especially those who cannot repay us.
We should not lose sight of the opportunities to do good. It is essential to open our hands freely and give whatever we can to bless others.
One of the early Christian saints, John Chrysostom, emphasized the importance of generosity by saying, "Those who are generous should not ask for an account of the poor's conduct." He taught that as Christ-followers, our responsibility is not to judge the recipients of our kindness but to show compassion, even to those we may consider unworthy.
Chrysostom encouraged his disciples to refrain from questioning the character or actions of those in need. Instead, he urged them to give freely, focusing on Christ's compassion rather than human judgment. This is a challenging principle to embrace, yet it reflects the heart of Christ's teachings.
The realities of prosperity and poverty coexist in this world, reminding us that generosity is not about the worthiness of the recipient but about reflecting Christ's love through our actions. Let us, therefore, give without hesitation, offering whatever we have to make a difference in the lives of others.
Worship in Action
The story of Mary anointing Jesus teaches us that devotion to Christ is inseparable from care for others. During the third-century plague in Alexandria, Christians demonstrated this truth by caring for the sick, even at great personal risk. Their unbounded love and loyalty stood in stark contrast to others who abandoned their own.
Similarly, our worship becomes complete when it extends beyond church walls to meet the needs of our neighbors. Poverty is not a distraction; it is the purpose of our worship.
Conclusion
As we approach the holiday season, let us remember the lessons of John 12:1-8. Worship is not merely about what we give to God but also how we share our blessings with others. May we be the hands and feet of Christ, embodying His love and compassion in a world that desperately needs both.
May the good Lord bless us as we strive to serve others, worship God, and reflect His grace in all we do.
Amen.
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