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John 12:5 (BSB)
“Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?”” — John 12:5
Imagine a room filled with the rich aroma of a costly perfume. You can almost see the shocked faces as someone questions why such an expensive gift wasn’t sold to help those in need. This moment is charged with emotion, highlighting the tension between generosity and practicality. It's a call to examine our priorities. Here, you’re invited to feel the weight of that question: Why not use this lavish resource for the greater good? It challenges you to think about how you assess value in your life and in the world around you.
This book was written by John, a close friend of Jesus and one of His disciples. John’s perspective is unique because he often focuses on the deeper meanings behind Jesus’ actions and words. By including this moment, John wants you to see the contrast between human judgment and divine love. He highlights how people often miss the bigger picture of what’s happening, showing that sometimes, following your heart may look different than what society expects.
When John wrote this, the Roman Empire was in control, and people had various views on wealth and poverty. The tension between the rich and the poor was palpable, with many struggling to get by. This period was marked by a complex relationship with money—the rich often flaunted their wealth, while the poor were marginalized. Understanding this backdrop helps you see why the question about selling the perfume for the poor was so charged. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about values and priorities in a world where many were in need.
This specific verse speaks to your everyday choices and how you value things in your life. It challenges you to reconsider where you place your priorities. Are you more focused on what seems practical, or do you allow space for acts of love and generosity that might not make sense to others? In a world that often pushes you to be efficient and practical, this moment reminds you that there’s a place for extravagant love and kindness. It encourages you to think about how you can express your values in tangible ways, even if it goes against the grain.
This week, think about one way you can show kindness or generosity in a way that feels extravagant to you. It could be as simple as buying a coffee for someone who’s struggling or volunteering your time to help a local charity. Take a moment to reflect on what that looks like for you. Are there resources you’re holding onto that could make a difference for someone else? Allow yourself to step outside the norm and act in a way that reflects your values, even if it seems a bit unconventional.
This verse sits at a pivotal moment in a larger story. Leading up to this, Jesus is in the home of friends, and a woman pours this expensive perfume on Him, an act of deep love and honor. The moment is electric, but it’s met with criticism from one of Jesus’ followers, who questions the wastefulness of her actions. This verse captures that exact criticism, which adds tension to the scene. You can feel the clash between lavish love and practical concerns. What happens next? Jesus defends the woman, saying her act is significant and should be remembered, shifting the focus from money to the heart behind the gift. It’s a moment that underscores what truly matters.
What does this verse make you think about how you use your resources? Are there times when you hold back from giving or showing love because it doesn’t seem practical?
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