A Higher Purpose

A Higher Purpose

Read: John 12:1-8

“You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

John 12:8

“The divine priority is worship first and service second.”

—Richard Foster

IN WORD Judas was surprised that his logic didn’t work on Jesus. As Mary poured expensive perfume over Jesus’ feet, Judas objected. He was the treasurer, and he apparently had a keen interest in the amount of money allowed to flow through his hands. And on some pay scales, this would have been a full year’s wages! Surely an appeal to the needs of the poor would persuade Jesus to tell Mary to invest her resources more wisely. But no. Judas received a surprising response.

The response may be surprising to us, as well. Didn’t Jesus care deeply for the poor? Didn’t He identify with the needy? Wouldn’t He prefer that valuable resources feed the hungry rather than lavishly anoint His feet? It is in His nature to make huge sacrifices—His own life, in fact—for those who need Him. Why would He not gladly sacrifice the luxury of this perfume?

There is a clear statement of values in Jesus’ response. The Cross is everything. The death, resurrection, and exaltation of the Son is paramount. It is the pinnacle of all history, the turning point of all creation. It is important—vital, in fact—to take care of the poor, as Scripture consistently says. But the poor have always been present and will always be present. The glorification of the Son in His supreme sacrifice for our salvation was a one-time event. Everything in the universe should point to it. It is the highest of all values.

IN DEED We often raise our work for Jesus—like feeding the poor—above the person of Jesus. When we do, we subvert the proper order. Our values are distorted, and our works become empty. Worship is to come first. It is paramount. There is no praise and no perfume too lavish for Jesus. He is the highest priority, ultimately valuable above all other concerns. Do you want to reflect true worth? Let your work flow out of a heart enamored with Him.