Jesus & Poverty

Yes, we are still called to solidarity.

It’s remarkable—though not in a good way—that some Christians use this passage to justify neglecting the poor. The argument often goes something like this:

Well, Jesus said the poor will always be with us, so…

So… what? So we ignore Jesus’ countless teachings about compassion, generosity, and solidarity with those in need? Certainly not.

Jesus’ words here are not a dismissal of efforts to alleviate poverty, whether for an individual, a family, or an entire community. Instead, his statement is deeply contextual—spoken in a unique moment when he was physically present. Mary, fresh from the life-altering experience of her brother’s resurrection, responds with an act of profound devotion, pouring out costly perfume as an expression of love and gratitude.

Rather than justifying neglect of the poor, this passage highlights something else: the rare and sacred moments when extraordinary acts of love and worship are appropriate. Mary’s action wasn’t wasteful; it was deeply meaningful. But this was an exception, not a rule. Extravagance in devotion should never come at the expense of justice and mercy—two things Jesus consistently calls his followers to embody.

In other words, honoring Jesus and serving the poor are not in competition. True worship always leads to greater love for others.

John 12:1-8

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Lazarus and his sisters hosted a dinner for him. Martha served and Lazarus was among those who joined him at the table. Then Mary took an extraordinary amount, almost three-quarters of a pound, of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She anointed Jesus’ feet with it, then wiped his feet dry with her hair. The house was filled with the aroma of the perfume. Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), complained, “This perfume was worth a year’s wages! Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and would take what was in it.)

Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. This perfume was to be used in preparation for my burial, and this is how she has used it. You will always have the poor among you, but you won’t always have me.”

Psalm 141:1-2

I cry out to you, Lord: Come to me—quickly! Listen to my voice when I cry out to you!
Let my prayer stand before you like incense; let my uplifted hands be like the evening offering.

Prayer

God,

Thank you for this new day. I never want to take it for granted that you wake me up, give me breath, and offer me the responsibilities and opportunities of the day.

So help me, God: Give me vision for this day. Help me see what’s right in front of me. People, creatures, vistas, insects, food, noises, words, big things, little things, children, trees, and opportunities for living out your grace and love.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.