The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

John 12:3-6, “Mary therefore took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the

feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the

perfume.

4 But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said,

5 ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii, and given to poor people?’

6 Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief,

and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it.”

Why would you ask a question like that? Were you ever questioned about a question you asked?

It’s sometimes (possibly, more often than we think) important to inquire into the reason for a question. People can have motives that are masked by the simple questions they ask.

It was Passover and Martha was preparing a supper for Jesus, her brother, Lazarus, and sister,

Mary. Not everyone present was named, but we know Judas Iscariot was there. Apparently, Mary and her siblings were quite well off financially, because the costly perfume with which Mary anointed the feet of Jesus was almost equal to a year’s wages. Martha and Lazarus said nothing, and by their silence, gave approval of what Mary did.

But it was Judas Iscariot who questioned the validity of the anointment. Why would he question it? The costly nard was not his, and had Mary poured it wastefully on the ground, it was still none of Judas’ business. His question did, however, place him diametrically opposed to the anointing itself. All who were present could have noticed. He was already intending to betray Jesus to the religious authorities, although no one except Jesus knew that. Additionally, Judas was the treasurer of Jesus’ disciples and he often helped himself to money that belonged to the group. So, Judas’ question was quite revealing, had anyone taken time to notice.

Human behavior doesn’t change over the years. That’s one factor that makes the Bible relevant to activities today. The purpose of this particular Letter is to awaken readers to ask, “Why did he ask that?” when someone poses a question within a group. We ought not always to think adversely of the questioner; yet, at the same time, we ought not to simply become numb “non-thinkers.”

Turning it all around, we should also be cautious regarding questions we ask. Not everyone in a group lacks curiosity or is a “non-thinker,” either. Remember, too, that the Bible enables us to assess all like situations in life today. So, study the Bible regularly –every day! And pray for the LORD’s guidance in every situation. He will give you wisdom and abundantly bless you!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”