
In the Gospel of John, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, objected to a woman anointing Jesus with costly perfume. Judas, who was later to betray Jesus, asked why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. However, Jesus defended the woman, saying that she had done a beautiful thing and that she had saved the perfume for his burial. Some commentators suggest that Judas felt slighted and offended by Jesus' rebuke and that this may have contributed to his decision to betray Jesus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of disciple who got mad at Jesus over perfume | Judas Iscariot |
| Reason for objection | The perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor; it was worth a year's wages |
| Real reason for objection | He was a thief and keeper of the money bag |
| Name of the woman who poured perfume on Jesus | Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus |
| Jesus' response to Judas | Leave her alone; it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial |
| Jesus' prediction after the incident | One of his disciples would betray him |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Judas was a thief
Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples of Jesus, objected to Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus with a costly perfume. He asked why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. However, Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As the keeper of the money bag, Judas stole from it.
The incident in question took place in Bethany, in the home of Simon the Leper. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anointed Jesus with a costly perfume, pouring it on his head or feet and wiping his feet with her hair. This act was a display of devotion and worship, recognising Christ's identity as Messiah-King.
Judas criticised Mary for wasting the perfume, seeing only its monetary value. In response, Jesus defended Mary, stating that she had done a beautiful thing and that the perfume was intended for his burial. He also pointed out that while the poor would always be with them, he would not always be there.
Judas's objection to the use of the perfume was not his only act of betrayal. He was also preparing to betray Jesus, as he later did. This incident highlights the contrast between Judas and Mary, with Judas motivated by selfishness and theft, while Mary demonstrated devotion and gratitude.
Judas Iscariot was indeed a thief, as evidenced by his objection to Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus with costly perfume. His criticism of the act as a waste revealed his preoccupation with monetary gain, which was further confirmed by his role as the keeper of the money bag, from which he stole. This incident, which took place in Bethany, highlighted Judas's selfishness and lack of perception of God's work, contrasting sharply with Mary's heartfelt act of devotion and worship toward Jesus.
The Unforgettable Scent of Jenni Rivera's Perfume
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Mary's act of devotion
Mary of Bethany, sister to Martha and Lazarus, was a devoted follower of Jesus. She anointed Jesus with a costly perfume, an act of deep devotion and worship.
The perfume was very expensive, worth a year's wages, and it filled the house with its fragrance. This was a significant and extravagant act, reflecting Mary's deep love for Jesus. She may not have fully understood the implications of her actions, but her offering to God was a beautiful and memorable one.
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, objected to Mary's act, asking why the perfume had not been sold and the money given to the poor. However, his concern was not genuine, as he was a thief himself, often stealing from the money bag he was supposed to keep safe. Jesus defended Mary, explaining that her act was intended to prepare Him for burial, and that there would always be opportunities to help the poor.
Explore Zara's Fragrance Collection: Where to Buy in India
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Jesus defends Mary
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, criticized Mary of Bethany for anointing Jesus with a costly perfume. According to the Bible, Mary poured the perfume on Jesus' head (Matthew 26:6-7) or feet (John 12:3), with her hair, filling the house with its fragrance.
Judas, who was a thief and keeper of the money bag, objected, suggesting the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. He said: "Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages" (John 12:4-5). However, it is suggested that Judas was not concerned about the poor but rather the monetary value of the perfume.
Jesus defended Mary, replying: "Leave her alone. 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" (John 12:7-8). He praised Mary's act as "a beautiful thing", and assured her that her act of devotion would be remembered: "wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (Matthew 26:13).
Jesus' response highlighted the significance of Mary's anointing, which symbolized his identity as Messiah-King and his imminent burial. It also foreshadowed his act of humble service at the Last Supper, where he washed the disciples' feet.
The Secret Scent: What We Do is Perfume Art
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Jesus rebukes Judas
Jesus was in Bethany, in the home of Simon the Leper, when Mary of Bethany, sister to Martha and Lazarus, anointed him with a costly perfume. This was done in honour of Jesus, who had raised Lazarus from the dead.
Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples, objected, asking why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. He said: "Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages." However, Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief and keeper of the money bag, often stealing from it.
Jesus replied: "Leave her alone. 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."
Some commentators suggest that Judas felt slighted and offended by Jesus' rebuke. His ego was bruised, and he began acting out of revenge.
Jesus later shared a meal with his disciples and predicted that one of them would betray him. Judas knew that he was the one who intended to betray Jesus.
Crafting Scents: Professional Perfume Making
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Judas' ego and revenge
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, objected when a woman anointed Jesus with a costly perfume. According to the Bible, the woman, identified as Mary of Bethany, poured the perfume on Jesus' head (Matthew 26:6-7) or feet (John 12:3), with her hair.
Judas criticized Mary for wasting the perfume, suggesting that it should have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, this was not out of concern for the poor, but because he was a thief, often stealing from the money bag himself.
Jesus defended Mary, saying that she had done a beautiful thing, and that there would always be opportunities to help the poor, but he would not always be with them.
Judas' objection to the use of the perfume appears to have been motivated by his ego and a desire for revenge. Some commentators suggest that Judas felt humiliated by Jesus' rebuke and had an "axe to grind." His sensitive ego couldn't handle the criticism, and from then on, he acted out of revenge, ultimately betraying Jesus.
Thus, Judas' objection to the use of the costly perfume reveals his ego and vengeful nature, which ultimately led to his betrayal of Jesus.
Best Places to Buy Elie Saab Perfume
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, was upset because a woman had poured an entire jar of expensive perfume on Jesus. He believed that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor.
Judas suggested selling the perfume because he believed it was a waste and because he wanted the money. He did not care about the poor, but he was a thief and stole from the money bag.
Jesus defended the woman, Mary of Bethany, and said, "You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial."











































