Matthew 26:1-16 Worship, Not Waste

We read of Mary pouring very expensive ointment on Jesus, which He identified as worship and preparing His body for burial.  Judas was incensed by this, calling it waste, saying that it could have been sold for a great deal of money and given to the poor.

Jesus certainly cared for the poor.  He'd fed them twice in large numbers, healed them, and urged His followers to do likewise.

"Jesus didn't criticize the disciples because they were concerned about the poor.  He was concerned about the poor, and we should be, too.  He was cautioning them against missing their opportunity to worship Him.  They would always have opportunities to help the poor.  But they would not always have the opportunity to worship at His feet and prepare Him for burial," my commentary said.

Judas was the one who'd caused such a stir about wasting the money.  He wasn't a true believer, thinking Jesus was going to be a military savior of Israel, and that as His treasurer, he'd be appointed to an important post.  He was worried about the waste of a few ounces of liquid, but totally unconcerned about the waste of "his opportunities, his life, and his soul."

Father, keep pointing out the important things to me.  Show me how to best love those You put in my path.  And help me to relish worshiping You and Your Son.