LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
 
Friday 27th March 2026

JESUS’ COMMENDATION

Scripture Reading: John 12
 
But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” *John 12:7–8*_
 
After Judas had shown his sanctimonious disdain for Mary’s worship, the Lord Jesus responded to Judas. The Lord’s statement carried several messages. His statement combined a rebuke, a commendation, and his perspective on what Mary had done.

Jesus’ rebuke.

The Lord issued a very sharp rebuke against Judas. He let, ‘let her alone.” This rebuke was done publicly and deliberately. The Lord knew Judas was a duplicitous fellow.
 
If there was anything Jesus demonstrated in His ministry, it was His aversion to hypocrisy. Judas might have taken this public rebuke very badly and from there firmed up his plans to betray Jesus.

Jesus’ commendation.

The Lord had a high appreciation for Mary’s gesture. He understood the sincerity of Mary’s heart and the spiritual implication of her act. Jesus, publicly commended Mary and Shed, ‘she has kept this for my day of burial’.
 
No one around Jesus really believed that He would die, even though He had said it many times to them. Mary might have been the only one who truly took the words of Christ about His death to heart. She understood the burden that Jesus was carrying. She knew anyone facing such a momentous task of taking on the sins of the whole world would need some cheering up. Our Lord honoured Mary’s act of devotion and charged that it should be part of the message of the gospel.

Jesus’ perspective.

After rebuking Judas and commending Mary, the Lord gave His perspective on whether it was right to lavish Him with the costly fragrance or sell it and give the money to the poor. Jesus was mindful of the poor, but His answer helps us find the right balance between our direct devotion to God and taking care of the needy.
 
The Lord’s explanation shows that giving to the poor should not supersede our personal and direct devotion to God. We should not be so focused on helping the poor that we forget to make time to be in God’s presence to worship Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to always make You my priority. I choose to give my best in worship to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.