Jesus vs Judas on providing for the poor. A tad heartless?

Question

So I read that Jesus basically told Judas off for suggesting that money spent on an expensive foot ointment could have been used to provide food for the poor with the rebuke that the poor will always be around.

To me, this seems pretty heartless of Jesus. His disciple has suggested that he perform a selfless act towards the poor and yet he says no and adds insult to the refusal.

What is your opinion on this matter?

"My opinion is read the whole context and dont quote scripture out of context"

Wow, you got it in one.

My point exactly - don't quote out of context.

Although the point to my question has been pretty much shown, I'd like to make a comment about certain answerers' opinions on Jesus' statement being true.

There are poor in the world. The majority of them are not poor by their own means, they are poor due to either poverish environment or due to the actions of others. Giving a donation to the poor to aid their cause is in no means a fruitless act - suggesting that it would be pointless as "there will always be poor people" is a heartless statement, and those responsible for saying it should be ashamed.

Answer 1

You need to read the entire passage. Jesus is preparing himself for death and he states that the woman came to "annoint my body to the burying." Judas' next act was to go to the authorities and sell Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver, which I don't think he gave to the poor.

Answer 2

Well if you take that incident in context, Jesus was near to his execution. That is why in telling Judas "off", he indicated that he would only be with them for a short period of time but that the poor they would always have. In other words they would have ample opportunity to take care of the poor. IMHO this once incident would not have made a dent in the situation those people faced. Besides, Jesus could read Judas' heart condition. Judas was a thief. He was not concerned about the poor, His concern was that the money spent on the oil used could have been in the poor box for him to steal.
========

To your later point that it was heartless to tell Judas not to help poor people who were such through no fault of their own. The second part of that is true. But Jesus never said don't help the poor. This was an isolated incident involving a man who cared not for the poor but for the money he was missing out on because it was being spent on Jesus. As several answerers have mentioned, this one incident was not going to make a difference in the lives of the poor who were there begging for alms (not disparaging them in the least) daily. Jesus showed how he cared for the poor and down trodden by feeding them and curing their ills. More importantly he cared for their spiritual needs.

PS: I'll give you a personal example. There's a homeless man that is always wandering around my neighborhood. He's harmless except to himself since he occasionally likes to play in traffic... truly. I give him a buck or two if I see him because I see him trying to work to earn a cup of coffee or a sandwich from the deli across the street. Do I do that every time I see him? No. sometimes I'm in a hurry. Sometimes I actually can't spare the cash. The point being is that he is there every day and I can lend a hand ANY day where perhaps some transient might need my help ... someone I might never see again.

PPS: I actually gave you a thumbs up on your question. IMHO, you are sincere in your question. You don't mean to attack or diminish anyone else's beliefs. Questions...legitimate, sincere questions... are always a good thing.

Answer 3

A consideration of the account in its entirety will reveal the true motivation behind Judas' supposed selfless question. John 12:6 plainly states that Judas said this because he was stealing money from the money box for which he was responsible.

What insult did Jesus add to the refusal? He explained to this thief that the woman was performing a burial service. As for the poor, do not the words of Jesus still ring true today? Verse 8 says the poor will always be. Up to this day, that continues to be so. Why? Because Jesus knew then, as we should know now, that only the kingdom of God - an actual government - will put an end to not only poverty, but sickness, wickedness, war and even death.

Hannah J Paul

Answer 4

I suggest you read further on in that same passgae - it continues to explain that Judas was not really concerned about the poor but as the holder of the money he had been helping himself to it.

His motivation is saying that was not concern for the poor but greed.

My opinion is read the whole context and dont quote scripture out of context

Answer 5

1. Jesus knew Judas' heart and He knew Judas was only concerned with lining his own pockets, not really for the poor. That is why He rebuked him.

2. Jesus was saying He will not always be around in flesh form because He knew He would be laying down His life soon. He was therefore saying that it was better for the woman to show her love for Him in this way because He would not always be around, but there would always be poor people.

Answer 6

Very heartless indeed. In fact, as we read through all the biblical accounts it is quite clear that His healing the sick, raising the dead to life, making the blind see, making the deaf hear, forgiving sins and going to the cross to die for all mens sins was just really inconsiderate of Him.. People stop saying you don't want to hear that you are taking things out of context, you will continue to hear that as long as you continue to do it. The fact that you don't like the truth does not make it any less truth.