Friday 2nd August
Read John 12:4-6
“But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (NIVUK)
Some, perhaps self-righteous (?), commentators have observed that the aside concerning Judas and his motives is a vindictive character assassination designed purely to concentrate the blame for unworthy thoughts reported in the parallel stories in Matthew and Mark and assigned to ‘other disciples’ (where no-one is named). Over time, and in hindsight, Judas was described in ways that were increasingly derogatory.
Yet the two assertions John makes here are attested elsewhere in the gospel history. Judas was indeed the keeper of the purse. Judas also fatally succumbed to increasing greed, selling Jesus out for silver. The deliberate contrast between Mary and her extravagant devotion and Judas and his horror at the waste of wealth highlights that the end is near. Those who love the light and love Jesus are overwhelmed with worship as the time for His departure draws near. Those who love darkness and are disappointed in Jesus’ defeatism seek to make the most of the remaining time to enrich themselves.
Selflessness versus selfishness. Light and dark. If Mary and Judas are examples to follow John is making clear which one reflects the light completely.
