As Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for his imminent arrest, trial, and execution, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume as an act of extravagant love and devotion. The disciples criticize her for “wasting” it. Jesus defends her, revealing that her act points toward his burial and will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Meanwhile, Judas responds in completely opposite fashion — rather than devotion, he elevates himself over Jesus; rather than sacrifice, he chooses personal gain. The contrast invites us to see the choice we face each day.

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For Reflection:

- What contrasts do you notice between the woman’s devotion and Judas’ betrayal?

- Why do you think the disciples struggled to see the value of the woman’s worship?

- Where might you be tempted to treat worship as impractical or unnecessary?

- Are there ways you might be “close” to Jesus outwardly while drifting inwardly, like Judas?

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to love you with wholehearted, costly devotion.