Broken Seal, Clinking Coins

Mary brought a jar of very expensive perfume. She anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair until the house was filled with the fragrance. Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, the one who later betrayed Jesus, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” — John 12:3–5 The Discussion Bible

Mary came softly with her jar held tight—
Spikenard perfume, so rare and so right.
Wages for a year was the value inside.
She broke it open, her love undenied.

The fragrance rose and filled the room,
Rich with devotion, a thick perfume.
Three hundred denarii’s worth was poured
Because Jesus was so greatly adored.

Judas sat clicking the coins in his purse,
Wondering how any loss could be worse.
He’d betray Jesus for just thirty denarii,
For money was what he loved to carry.

Mary surrendered her whole heart with tears.
Jesus was a priceless treasure in these years.
For the price of a slave, Judas made the call,
To betray Jesus, losing the greatest gift of all.

One heart said, “You’re worth everything to me.”
The other said, “Money is what I most need to see.”
One person poured out love, ignoring the cost—
The other sold the Savior … and he was lost.