John 12:4–5

In these verses, is recorded a consequent of this practice of Mary; namely Judas his quarrelling of it, which also was an occasion of his going and betraying his Master, as the other Evangelists mark, Albeit the other Evangelists lay this upon all the disciples, because, in appearance, they consented to him and seconded him in so plausible a cause; Yet John declareth it was he who raised the debate, and under a pretence of caring for the poor, condemned this practice as a needlesse waste. Whence learn, 1. Very grosse hypocrites may be near to Christ in outward profession, and may be entrusted in eminent employments; for, Judas Iscariot, Simons son, which should betray him, is one of his Disciples. 2. Such as follow Christ on unsound tearmes, and will forsake and betray him in a strait, will be now and then bewraying their unsoundnesse before hand, if they be well observed; for, he which should betray him, brings out his covetousnesse here before hand. 3. It is the great and woful art of hypocrites, that they mask their corrupt intentions with fair pretences, and that they desire to lurk so long as they can; for, all his language is, why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poore? This whole summe, after the English account, amounts (according to the opinion of some concerning the Roman penny) to nine pounds, seven shillings, six pence; O: (according to others) to eight pounds, six shillings, eight pence. And as this points out the great liberality of Mary in this her practice; So Judas, by his mentioning thereof, insinuates that it was altogether needlesse to bestow so much on such a peece of service to Christ; As indeed, men are ready to account it great waste (as the word is, Matth. 26 8.) when a little is bestowed on Christ and his service, when yet they can waste more needlesly, in serving their lusts, without noise or grudging. But this wanted not a fair pretence, that Christ cared for no such costly anointing, and that it did not beseeme their low estate. And withal, his great covetousnesse is masked with a pretence of care for the poor. It is very dangerous to live in times, when cloaks of faults are as rife as the faults themselves. 4. It is the will of God, that the poore be taken notice of, and supplied by every one, according to their ability; for, so much appeares in Christs practice, who in his deep poverty, did lay up somewhat for them, as Judas exception imports. See Joh. 13.29.