You will always have the poor

“You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”John‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus was remonstrating with Judas for his dismissal and offence at Mary’s seemingly wasteful use of expensive perfume when she poured it over Jesus’ feet, and wiped it off with her hair. Just as He appreciated the love that was carried with Mary’s act and he also knew Judas’ heart attitude, Judas did not care for the poor.

Jesus was also right, we always will have the poor. There are people who cannot or will not help themselves, but there are also those who circumstances keep them poor. Many in Nepal, especially the lower caste, are kept in poverty by the actions of others and a mindset that sees this as their lot. The poor need others to help them. There are millions in refugee camps in parts of the world. War stole their homes and their families. Famine robs the poor of the ability to make a living. Persecution keeps the poor in their holes.

However, this lesson is about Jesus. He was about to go to the cross for us. He was right that those He spoke to would not always have Him. Unfortunately Judas was about to be eternally lost through his greed. Praise Jesus that He gave us eternal life through the cross and forgiveness of sin. Thank you Jesus!