“Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” (John 12:5).
Mary is remembered for breaking an alabaster box and anointing Jesus for burial with costly spikenard ointment. Judas Iscariot was critical of the action, placing a cash value of 300 pence on the contents. Since one pence was a day’s wage, Mary was actually pouring on Jesus the equivalent of a year’s salary.
In the parable of the vineyard, the employer…agreed with the labourers for a penny a day…(Matt. 20:2). When Jesus asked Philip how much it would cost to buy food for 5,000 people, Philip replied, “…Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient…” (John 6:7). This does not equal two dollars, but 200 days’ wages!
So Mary actually had, by Judas’ evaluation, “wasted” 12 ounces (a Roman liter) of ointment which, if sold, could have brought in enough cash to feed 7,500 people. No wonder Judas reacted as he did!
One sidelight of the incident: This “waste” to which Judas was referring is also translated “perdition.” In Greek it is apoleia (ap-o’-li-a). Later when Judas had left to betray His Master, the Lord used this same word to describe His betrayer. He spoke of Judas as the son of “perdition” (apoleia) (John 17:12).
It may be some consolation to realize that when you are being criticized, invariably the things you are accused of are the exact things your accusers are guilty of. Mary’s act of devotion and love is branded a “perdition” by the very “son of perdition.” That ought to take the sting out of the criticism you have been getting lately!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.