Thoughts on the Gospel of John (106) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray him, said, Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor? 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. But Jesus said, Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of my burial.

For the poor you have with you always, but me you do not have always.
John 12:4-8.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (106)
When the aroma of the spikenard drifted through the house, at the latest, Judas Iscariot realised that Mary had anointed Jesus' feet with costly anointing oil. The traitor's cunning mingled with that loving fragrance.

Judas pretended to be extremely merciful. He acted as if He had material support for the poor at heart. The disciples may have wondered at the way Judas interpreted love of one's neighbour. In his opinion Mary had wasted a valuable product worth 300 denarii, a workman's annual wages!

Judas was a hypocrite and a thief. He had no feelings for his Master, whom he had accompanied through the land for such a long time. He thought only of his own purse, being motivated by greed. Against this background it is not difficult for us to see his question as being totally out of place.

The Lord fathoms our hearts. He knew what had made Mary save that precious spikenard for Him. She sensed that her Lord stood in the shadow of death. So, once again, she showed her esteem for Him. The lesson for us is: worshipping the Son of God is not wasted effort.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Judges 8:1-17 · 2 Corinthians 8:1-8