These scriptural reflections by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok are copyrighted, but you are free to reproduce them for your own noncommercial personal or church use. Other uses require permission of the author, who may be reached at revsandyb@aol.com.

"But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 'Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denari and the money given to the poor?' (He said this not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)" John 12:4-6

Be willing to live with consequences of loving Jesus extravagantly. Expect criticisms, misunderstanding, and the disapproval by others. These critics are sometimes found among the followers of Jesus Christ in significant positions of leadership. They may be among the loudest and most vocal in voicing their sharp disapproval.

We have met Judas Iscariot before (John 6:71). From the very beginning, Jesus understood that one day Judas would betray him. Jesus mentored him without discrimination for three years and trained him for the kind of spiritual greatness Mary exhibited. But Judas had his own ambitious agenda and slyly used Jesus for his own purposes. He could have become a great leader in the early church. Instead he cultivated the soul of a traitor.

What do we know about him? Judas was a petty thief and a sneak. He was the master of dissimulation and persuasion. He spoke from dishonest motives and was a hypocrite. Judas had no concern for the poor whatsoever. As treasurer, he used community funds for his own personal enrichment. The costly perfume represented the equivalent of a full year of wages back then. Judas loudly decried the lavish anointing as a complete economic waste. But history has revealed his only motive was dishonesty.

While many earlier enthusiastic followers had fallen away due to either loss of interest or confusion over the teachings of Jesus, Judas remained externally loyal and steadfast. But as it was becoming increasingly clear to Judas that Jesus was not going to be manipulated.

The life of Judas Iscariot continues to enlighten people throughout the ages. The Christian church has always had some disciples who pretend to serve Christ out of loving devotion. Preachers and pastoral care givers, worshippers in the pew and casual attenders, all have potential to be just like Judas. They claim the name of disciple, but their innermost motives are not pure. They find Jesus useful for furthering their careers and fortunes. We must remember that even Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

It is easy to become like Judas Iscariot. Who among us has never cheated, lied, or acted out of personal selfishness? Who has never held back from tithing or paying taxes? Are we unconcerned with the poor? Have we bitterly complained when another believer lavishly spends extravagant amounts of money for worship, when it is not profitable to our interests? Do we believe those expensive expressions of worship impractical and an economic waste? What about in our own lives--have we ever used Jesus to further our careers, agendas or special interests? We have probably all cheated God in one way or another. Hypocrisy can take many subtle forms and the spiritual profile of Judas serves as warning.

Let us learn from Mary and Judas Iscariot. Their lessons from history continue to speak across time.

Prayer: Reveal the inner motives of our hearts, dear God. Show us where we harbor the motives of Judas Iscariot. Strip away our false pretensions and disguises. Protect us from the sins of Judas and wherever we have sinned, forgive us. Now help us live new and better lives for Jesus Christ. Amen.