Matthew 26:1-16

Matthew 26:1-16
Jesus has just spoken to His disciples about things to come. Now, even as His enemies are plotting to kill Him, He tells them that in two days, He will be handed over to be crucified. vv. 1-5

While Jesus' enemies were meeting to plot His death, His friends (vv.  6-13) were meeting to show their faith, love, and devotion. We know from John's account of this incident (John 12:2-8) that the woman mentioned here is Mary of Bethany, she whose sister is Martha and whose brother is Lazarus who was raised from the dead. Mary was the one who sat at Jesus' feet and listened to His words while her sister served. Jesus said Mary had chosen the better thing. (Luke 10:38-42). Here we see her practicing extravagant worship! Other passages tell us that she poured the expensive oil on His head and on His feet and wiped His feet with her hair. She was deeply devoted to Jesus! Because she knew and believed His word, she knew that He would soon have to die. And because she anointed His body before His death, she was showing faith as well as love.

The disciples were less spiritual and more materialistic. They saw this as a waste of money that could have been given to the poor (or to themselves!). Jesus, however, praised Mary recognizing her sincere act of sacrifice, love, faith, and devotion. Though we may be criticized and misunderstood as Mary was, nothing we do for Jesus is ever wasted!

In sharp contrast to Mary who gave so freely, we see Judas looking out for himself and himself alone. vv. 14-16. Judas was one of the twelve, and as such he would have witnessed all the miracles Jesus performed and heard all the words He spoke. He had every opportunity to be saved, but He rejected Jesus and sold Him out for 30 pieces of silver. He allowed Satan to use Him for the most evil of all purposes. It's ironic that he criticized Mary for "wasting" the ointment, he himself wasted every opportunity and indeed wasted his life.