So the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 

Then one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was about to betray him), said, "Why wasn't this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"

He didn't say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it.

John 12:3-6 CSB

Judas's betrayal didn't come 'out of the blue'. The deception started much earlier when Judas  chose to take money given to Jesus and use it for himself. 

Somewhere along the line Judas deceived himself that bad was good. 

Deception started with something small.

Being with a group of Christians didn't stop Judas. 

Being in proximity to Jesus didn't stop Judas. 

His deceit was wrapped up in moralistic words that on the outside could be seen as valid - "isn't there a better use for that perfume? Aren't the poor more important? Isn't that what Jesus says?"

On the outside Judas was moral. Good. 

But he was dishonest with himself and dishonest with the people around him, and with Jesus. 

And in my heart I am just the same. Those same tendencies lurk there. 

And just like Judas, Grace is right there too. When we get honest with God, honest with those around us, grace wins.

The fragrance of grace was in the room, and Judas missed it. Let's not miss it.

#gospelofjohn

#fragrant

#grace