In stark contrast to Mary’s act of pure devotion, Judas’ words reveal the heart of an antichrist. While Mary turned the attention of all to the Lord, Judas now tries to turn away the thoughts of all from Christ to “the poor.” While Mary’s devotion is a lasting memorial in the hearts of all who have received the Gospel, Judas is remembered today as a hypocrite and betrayer of innocent blood.
Judas’ murmuring is a solemn contrast to Mary’s worship. True exaltation of Christ always brings out the hatred of those who are of their father the devil. Judas, like all unbelievers, has no love for Christ, hence it was impossible for him to truly worship. There are many professing Christians today infected with a Judas-like spirit. They are unable to understand zeal and devotion to the Lord. They look upon it all as fanaticism. Some even mock the devotee’s act of worship. But truth be told, love knows that it can never give too much to Christ. Despite the practice of many churches today, true worshippers do not have to be instructed to tithe 10% of their income to the church, because they are already giving their all to Him. The song of the true worshipper is not, ‘Ten percent, I surrender,’ but ‘I surrender all!’
We, like Mary, are privileged today to have fellowship with His sufferings. But soon this opportunity will pass from us forever as we enter into the fellowship of His glory. So there is a real sense in which these words of Christ to Mary, “me ye have not always” apply to us. O that God would enlarge our heart that we may be constrained by His love to deeper devotion and greater giving, that we might become a more faithful testimony to His infinite worth.
