John 12:8
“For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.””
What does John 12:8 mean?
Jesus said this while being anointed with expensive perfume at a dinner, when someone complained the money should have gone to the poor instead. He wasn't diminishing care for the poor, but rather honoring a moment of intimate worship that wouldn't come again. After his death and resurrection, his disciples would have all of history to serve the vulnerable, but they had only limited time in his physical presence. This is a comforting reminder that sometimes stopping to show love to the people closest to us, or pausing to nurture our own faith, isn't selfish. Both worship and service matter. When you're running on empty or grieving a loss, you don't need to feel guilty about turning inward for a season.