Jesus Protects Mary from Judas’ Accusation

Matthew 26:6 & John 12:1 – It is amazing how often you see Jesus protecting people in the Gospels when you start looking for it. Jesus has come to Bethany which is near Jerusalem and very close to the time Jesus will be killed by the Priests. A dinner was being given at Simon the Leper’s house and Lazarus, raised from the dead, was eating with Jesus. Mary, Lazarus’ sister, comes in with a very costly oil or perfume (about 1 years wages) and pours it on Jesus’ head and on His feet. She then begins to wipe His feet with her hair. There is a tremendous amount of devotion and deep love that Mary is expressing.

Interrupting the essence of the moment Judas attacks: “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?” (John 12 reveals it is Judas) Judas doesn’t care about the poor, the text says, but he is lusting after the money. Using a ‘religious’ pretext he attacks Mary’s open hearted well spring of devotion to the Master! Jesus is quick to protect her from shame: “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” Jesus drops His shield of protection over Mary and rebukes the accuser! (Accusation is the main tool of Satan) Then Jesus goes further and establishes the fact that it will be remembered all through history what Mary has done for Him! The essence of the entire thing is none other than “protection.”

What if Jesus was other than He is? What if He had been passive? Or what if He had been angry in an “unclean” way – blowing His top and shouting? Neither extreme is Jesus. He is balanced and healthy. He never shies away from conflict but He is wholesome and  balanced in how He acts.

And God is clearly seen in the life of Jesus. God isn’t in heaven having a “melt down” over the sins of humans, but neither is He passive. God protects people… as He seeks to draw them to Himself for their own good.

“If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.” John 14:9