Christian Family Services Ministry

10-21-2019 – A Word to the Wise – Part 2 – John’s Record

The anointing by Mary in her brother’s house six days before Passover is very different from Magdalene’s anointing both in purpose and behavior.

Mary did not wash Jesus feet, nor did Jesus act like she had. The text indicates that she had specifically bought this costly perfume of pure nard for his burial. She took a small portion of the ointment and anointed his feet. The rest is kept for Jesus burial. Jesus had been telling His disciples for some time that He was to be killed. They did not believe it, nor did they prepare for it. Mary believed and prepared before hand.

John describes the event vividly. He gives details that only a person who is present would have known. I strongly suspect that after this day none of those present would fail to associate the aroma that filled the house with Mary’s tender care of Jesus. John was here; he saw it with his own eyes and smelled the aroma that filled the house.

There is difference in what happens here six days before the Passover and with what takes place four days later. In the later case, several of the disciples are critical of the sacrifice. Here, Judas stands in the forefront as Mary’s accuser, which is significant in that the other disciples said nothing on this occasion. Four days later they become the accuser, and Judas is silent. The motives of Judas are different than the other disciples.

Judas is very upset. Why do you suppose the intense feelings? After all what is a little perfume? With a little knowledge of the economics of the period, much light is shed on the circumstances. The text says the value of Mary’s gift was 300 denarii. Translators do not give a very accurate picture of what this means. Some put in a footnote that the amount is worth about fifty dollars. Others give other amounts. Most miss the economic reality.

In Jesus’ time one denarii was equal to a day’s pay for a laborer. In our language, today when the rate of pay for unskilled labor is $5 per hour, the cost of a days pay would be fifty dollars (their work day was ten hours long). The value is $15,000. No wonder Judas is upset. By the way, notice that Judas knew its exact worth. Later the disciples guessed. His money being wasted. A thief steals because he deludes himself into thinking he has a right to take it. Therefore, Judas believes that this is his money being wasted on the Savior.

Another reason for Judas being upset has to do with Mary. Judas did not like Mary. How do we know? Because thieves hate their victims and their naive attitude. Notice also that Judas must have either taken or tried to take the remaining perfume for Jesus tells Judas to let her keep it.
Another reason for Judas being upset has to do with Mary. Judas did not like Mary. How do we know? Because thieves hate their victims and their naïve attitude. Notice also that Judas must have either taken or tried to take the remaining perfume for Jesus tells Judas to let her keep it.