John 12:8

“For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.”

Context:To understand the meaning of this verse, it’s important to consider the context in which it was spoken. In John 12:1-7, we find the account of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, objected to the costly perfume being used in this way, suggesting that it could have been sold to help the poor.

The anointing of Jesus:Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume was a demonstration of her deep love and devotion to Him. It was a lavish and sacrificial act, showing her recognition of Jesus’ divine nature and the significance of His impending death. Jesus defended Mary’s actions, indicating that she had done a beautiful thing for Him.

Acknowledging the poor:Jesus acknowledges the presence of the poor in this statement, saying, “For the poor always ye have with you.” Here, Jesus is not diminishing the importance of caring for the poor. He is not suggesting that we should neglect or disregard the needs of the less fortunate. In fact, throughout His ministry, Jesus emphasized the importance of compassion and care for the poor and marginalized.

The imminent departure of Jesus:In the second part of the verse, Jesus says, “but me ye have not always.” Jesus knew that His time on Earth was coming to an end. He was aware of His impending crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus’ statement indicates that His physical presence would not always be with His disciples. He was preparing them for His departure and encouraging them to make the most of the time they had with Him.

Prioritizing Jesus:While Jesus affirmed the importance of caring for the poor, He also emphasized the significance of His own presence at that moment. He wanted His disciples to recognize the unique opportunity they had to be in His presence, to learn from Him, and to deepen their relationship with Him. Jesus’ statement highlights the exceptional nature of His earthly ministry and the limited time His disciples had to be with Him before His crucifixion.

• Application:This verse teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the ongoing responsibility to care for the poor and needy, which is a consistent theme throughout the Bible. Secondly, it emphasizes the significance of recognizing and appreciating the presence of Jesus in our lives. We should not take for granted the opportunity to know Him, learn from Him, and develop a close relationship with Him. Lastly, it encourages us to make the most of the time we have with Jesus, utilizing every moment to deepen our understanding of His teachings and to grow in faith.