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There are big-picture people, and there are detailed people. These individuals often clash in how they think and perceive the world. Regarding followers of Jesus, we should all be Kingdom people. In John 12, Jesus’ comments about Mary anointing His feet reveal how Kingdom people think and act. 

It may seem harsh that Jesus said, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me” (John 12:8). He is not dismissing taking care of the poor. He is acknowledging Mary’s heart for what matters. He matters. When our acts of service and giving stem from a heart for Kingdom work, that matters. Judas didn’t care about the poor (John 12:4-5). Whether Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with the oil or used it to care for the poor wasn’t the issue. The issue was that her motivation was to use it for Him and, therefore, the Kingdom. That is what Kingdom people’s gratitude looks like.

Reflection: Do you think and act like a Kingdom person?

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