Jesus is having dinner at the home of friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus soon after he has literally raised Lazarus from the dead. Mary appears with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, and uses the oils to anoint Jesus' feet. Once the jar is opened, the oils can't be saved, and the value today is estimated at a whopping $30-35,000!

Judas - the same man who would later betray Jesus - is in shock. “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.”

Why indeed! And surely Jesus, a strong advocate for the poor, would agree, wouldn't he?

But he doesn't. For in this seemingly irresponsible action lies the recognition of deeper truths.