Different approaches to Discipleship

 New Testament reading: John 12:1-8

This text highlights two characters with utterly different approaches to discipleship. One person is lavish with her gifts; the other is parsimonious and critical. One expresses her devotion openly and earnestly; the other is guarded and treacherous. One loves; the other betrays. This interaction happens in the disciples' presence, most of whom had themselves done something rather lavish: they'd given up their livelihoods to follow Jesus of Nazareth. They'd also been with Jesus when the widow put her last penny in the offering plate. Jesus praises the widow and defends Mary's gifts. Both gifts are valued differently in the world, yet highly valued by Jesus. 

Judas asks Jesus, Mary, and the disciples, "Why this waste?" He suggested the perfume could have been sold, and the money could have been given to the poor. The author of the Gospel, who knows the rest of the story, inserts this sensible objection upon the lips of "the one who was about to betray him" and notes that his true motivation was the theft of the money. The widow and Mary acted in devotion and love. In contrast, Judas' heart and motivation were different. 

In their own way, Mary and the widow lived a life of lavish discipleship by surrendering completely to God. What we have, our careers and our ability to earn a living are from God. Can there be anything more lavish than offering our lives entirely to God?

Something to Ponder on the Lord's Day!