John 12:1-8, Jesus Anointed for Burial

Let us continue our comparison of the two records.

Mark 14:3-9	John 12:1-8
4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.	4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.

John adds something valuable.  Several were indignant, but apparently on one of them was one of the Twelve.  John clarifies the motivations of Judas.  He was all about the money.  He was a thief and never cared about the poor.  There are some who want to try to clean up the reputation of poor Judas, or at least to give some extenuating circumstances.  Furthermore, we learn here something of the true value of our Lord.  We noted in a previous post that the “shepherds of Israel” only valued Him at 30 pieces of silver.  Here He is valued at, not just 300 denarii, but as the most valuable item one worshiper could give. 

Mark 14:3-9	John 12:1-8
6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. 8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.	7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

The words Jesus spoke in this situation would never fly in the world where we live.  Not that there are not those who have such an exalted view of themselves.  But we can never speak of people rightfully doing good to us.  Our world would say that Jesus “dissed” the poor, that He was arrogant.  And yet, Jesus as always spoke the truth.  He was and is worthy of our praise and Mary had come to know this from taking time to sit at His feet.  Again, what was happening here?  She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.  This is the right thing for Mary to do, and a magnificent good work of worship.  As Mark concludes,

Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”