Week 21 (19 - 25 May): The Attitude of the Heart - A Reflection on John 12:1–11

John 12:1–11 presents a striking contrast between three types of hearts (Mary, Judas, and the chief priests)—each revealing something profound about our posture toward Jesus.

Mary’s Heart: Extravagant Devotion

Mary’s response is one of unrestrained love. She pours out an entire jar of expensive perfume onto Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair. It's an act that defies logic and social convention, yet it speaks volumes about her heart. Mary wasn’t calculating the cost; she was consumed by reverence and gratitude. Her worship was deeply personal, intimate, and unfiltered.

In our discussion, J posed a challenging question: “Can you recall a time when you gave without thinking of the cost?” Do we, in our daily walk, truly prioritise Jesus first? (See ye first the Kingdom of God) These questions stirred a deep and honest reflection among us.

Earlier that evening, C shared a word that set the tone beautifully. She felt led to affirm that TB is a special community—a space where love is continually poured out. She shared how overwhelmed she felt by the love and warmth from everyone present.

B added another layer to the reflection by pointing out that what’s precious isn’t always material. Sometimes it’s our time, our energy, and the quiet sacrifices we make. I saw this lived out the very next day, as our volunteer teachers at TAVA came together—to laugh, cook, and connect. Watching them, I was reminded of why we serve. Week in, week out, it’s not just for the children—it’s for Jesus. As Matthew 25:40 says: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Judas’ Heart: Hidden Motives

Judas, on the surface, appears concerned for the poor. But John doesn’t let us be deceived—his true motives were rooted in greed. Even though he walked alongside Jesus, his heart was far from loyal. This is a sobering reminder that proximity to Christ doesn’t equal faithfulness. We can be active in ministry, fluent in spiritual language, yet still driven by self-interest. It's a call to continually check our motivations.

The Priests’ Hearts: Fear and Control

Then there are the chief priests. Rather than celebrate Lazarus’s miraculous return to life, they conspire to silence him—alongside Jesus. Their hearts were hardened by fear, pride, and the need to maintain control. The presence of God's power threatened their authority, and instead of embracing truth, they plotted to destroy it. Their story warns us of the destructive power of envy and spiritual blindness when left unchallenged.

John 12 invites each of us to examine the attitude and posture of our own hearts. Are we like Mary—lavish in love, willing to give our best without hesitation? Or are we sometimes more like Judas or the chief priests, holding back in self-interest or resisting God's work when it disrupts our plans?

My prayer is that I would grow in the kind of devotion Mary displayed—humble, wholehearted, and unafraid to worship extravagantly.

On behalf of Jacob's Well,

Kim