He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
We see many politicians that decry the plight of the poor and then board their jet to go to their palatial summer mansion. One tends to doubt their sincerity. Judas was one of the disciples and lamented that the nard perfume Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with was not used to help the poor. That sentence can describe many in the church today. There was a severe problem with Judas and John saw to it that we learned from it. Judas looked like a follower of Jesus but his heart was corrupt. The response of Jesus seems callous but actually displays far more love for the poor than Judas’ pretentious sermonizing.
Jesus was right that the poor would be with us because the world is fallen. He came to earth so his true followers would be compelled to help the poor by their worship of Jesus the Christ. Their pouring out of their own treasure and love for the poor is tantamount to anointing Jesus all over again because he is King of their lives. Read the gospels and you will see that it was important to Jesus as he commanded us to help the poor. Judas did not look much different from the obedient followers. His concern for the poor was a political ploy that led to the cross. Now, as true followers…
You always have Jesus with you!
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church