In Paris: Notre Dame on fire!
In Paris: Notre Dame on fire!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
alfat33
A Christian might point to the example of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive oil. When criticised by Judas, Jesus replied:
“Leave her alone so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12:1-8
Which sounds a bit harsh, but maybe there should be space for something eternal such as the beauty and spirituality of Notre Dame.
But a Christian might also point out the verse immediately prior to the one you quoted.
"He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it." John 12:6
So Judas Iscariot's expression of concern was not so much for the poor, but for the fact that he helped himself to the contents of the money bag. Doubtless he was thinking about how much a pint of pure nard could have been sold for (about a year's wages) and what proportion of the resulting funds he could have kept for himself.
So perhaps the meaning behind the passage is that you should be wary of accepting at face value the arguments put forth by those wishing to appear virtuous.
Somewhat prophetic, perhaps, in the context of Notre Dame and the rush from some multi-nationals to offer generous donations, particularly when those donations are likely be offset against tax!
Then again, I may simply be too cynical.
In Paris: Notre Dame on fire!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
willie_gunn
But a Christian might also point out the verse immediately prior to the one you quoted.
"He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it." John 12:6
So Judas Iscariot's expression of concern not so much for the poor, but for the fact that he helped himself to the contents of the money bag.
Fair point, I think both interprettions are true.
Then again I’m the last person to ask about inconsistencies in the Bible and I’m probably crossing a line anyway in this sub-forum.
No disrespect intended to any Christian’s btw.