Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 12:8

"For the poor ye have always with you; but me ye have not always." — John 12:8 (ASV)

Mary seems to have been the only one who was sensitive to the impending death of Jesus and who was willing to give a material expression of her esteem for him. Jesus’ reply shows his appreciation of her act of devotion. His words disclose also the current of his thought, for he was anticipating death. His comment on the poor was not a justification for tolerating unnecessary poverty; but it was a hint to Judas that if he were really concerned about the poor, he would never lack opportunity to aid them. Mary and Judas stand in sharp contrast to each other.