“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume;she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.””
This event actually took place the evening before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to the shouts of Hosanna. Jesus was at the home of his friends.While the disciples had been with him for a few years at this point they continued to be confused by things that he did and said. Here Judas asks a question they were all probably thinking. This was a lot of perfume of great value. What was the purpose? It seemed a waste. Jesus responded with the affirmation of Mary’s actions. What things of value are you giving to the Lord that might cause someone else to question?