John 12:8 – “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Jesus’ response to Judas Iscariot, who had criticized Mary for pouring expensive perfume on Jesus instead of selling it and giving the money to the poor (John 12:5-7). Jesus corrects Judas, telling him that while caring for the poor is important, there is something even more important at this moment—honoring Him before His death.

Jesus was not dismissing the needs of the poor. In fact, the Bible repeatedly commands believers to help those in need (Deuteronomy 15:11, Proverbs 19:17). But in this unique situation, Jesus was preparing for His crucifixion. His time on earth was coming to an end, and Mary’s act of worship was fitting because it recognized the urgency of the moment.

Jesus’ words also hint at the reality of a broken world—poverty will always exist until God makes all things new. However, He reminds His followers that their relationship with Him should be their highest priority.

Historical Context

Jewish law emphasized caring for the poor. Deuteronomy 15:11 states, “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.” Jesus was likely referencing this verse to remind the disciples that helping the poor was a lifelong responsibility.

However, Jesus was only going to be physically present for a short time. His public ministry was nearing its end, and in just a few days, He would be arrested and crucified. Mary’s act of anointing Him was significant because it showed that she understood—perhaps better than the disciples—that Jesus was about to die.

This verse also highlights a common misunderstanding about Jesus’ mission. Many people, including Judas, may have expected Jesus to establish a political kingdom that would fix social and economic problems. But Jesus’ primary mission was to deal with the deeper issue—sin and the need for salvation.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus Deserves First Place – While serving others is important, Jesus must come first. Worshiping and obeying Him should always take priority.
2. There Will Always Be Earthly Problems – Poverty and injustice will exist until Christ returns. While we should work to help others, our greatest hope is in God’s eternal kingdom.
3. Worship Requires Discernment – Mary recognized that this was a unique moment to honor Jesus. We, too, must be sensitive to how God is calling us to worship and serve Him in different situations.
4. Jesus’ Time on Earth Was Temporary – Jesus reminded them that He would soon be gone. His death, resurrection, and ascension were all part of God’s plan, and His followers needed to recognize the urgency of His mission.

Literary Analysis

This verse contrasts earthly concerns (poverty, social justice) with eternal concerns (knowing and worshiping Jesus). The structure of Jesus’ statement highlights priority:

• “You will always have the poor among you” – An ongoing issue in the world.
• “But you will not always have me” – A once-in-history moment that required immediate attention.

Jesus’ words here also contrast with Judas’ attitude in the previous verses. Judas pretended to care about the poor, but he really cared about himself (John 12:6). In contrast, Mary’s love for Jesus was genuine, and Jesus affirmed her devotion.

Biblical Cross-References

1. Deuteronomy 15:11 – “There will always be poor people in the land.” (Jesus’ likely reference.)
2. Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the kingdom of God, and everything else will be provided.
3. Mark 14:6-9 – Another account of Jesus’ defense of Mary’s anointing.
4. Luke 10:38-42 – Mary choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet instead of being distracted by other concerns.
5. John 17:11 – Jesus tells His disciples He will soon leave them, reinforcing His temporary physical presence.
6. Revelation 21:3-4 – A promise that one day God will end suffering and poverty.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

John 12:8 reminds us that while serving others is important, our highest calling is to know, love, and worship Jesus. There will always be causes to support and needs to meet, but nothing should take priority over our relationship with Christ.

This verse also helps us keep perspective. Many problems in the world—poverty, injustice, sickness—are real and should be addressed, but they are temporary. Jesus calls us to focus on what is eternal: Him and His kingdom.

At the same time, this verse is not an excuse to neglect the poor. The Bible repeatedly commands us to help those in need (James 1:27, Matthew 25:40). But our motivation for doing so should come from a heart that first loves and worships Jesus.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way Jesus speaks truth in this moment. He knows that Mary’s act of worship is deeply meaningful, and He affirms her while correcting Judas’ hypocrisy. This shows that God values sincere love and devotion from His people.

This verse also reflects God’s love for the world. Jesus wasn’t just concerned with temporary relief for the poor—He came to provide eternal salvation. His love goes beyond social justice; He came to change hearts, restore brokenness, and give eternal life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

John 12:8 points to Jesus’ central role in God’s plan of salvation. It highlights three key aspects of His mission:

1. Jesus’ Death Was Near – This verse reinforces that Jesus’ time on earth was coming to an end, leading up to His crucifixion.
2. Jesus is More Valuable Than Anything – Mary understood that Jesus deserved her most valuable possession. In the same way, Jesus calls us to give Him our whole lives.
3. Jesus Came for Eternal Salvation, Not Just Social Change – Many expected the Messiah to solve earthly problems, but Jesus’ mission was greater—to save sinners and bring eternal life.

This verse reminds us that knowing Jesus is the most important thing in life. Everything else—wealth, charity, good works—flows from a heart that is first surrendered to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus defended Mary’s actions instead of agreeing with Judas?
2. How does this verse challenge the way you balance serving others and worshiping Jesus?
3. Have you ever struggled with prioritizing earthly concerns over your relationship with Christ?
4. In what ways can we help the poor while still keeping Jesus as our highest focus?
5. How does this verse encourage you to think differently about what truly matters in life?

John 12:8 teaches us that while caring for others is important, our greatest priority must always be Jesus. He alone is worthy of our full devotion, and when we seek Him first, everything else falls into place.