The Dagger and the Perfume
The Holy Wednesday Betrayal, two days before Passover, opposing dramas unfolded in Bethany. While religious leaders conspired (Matthew 26:3-4), a woman broke open her most precious possession. “Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair” (John 12:3). Meanwhile, “Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?'” (Matthew 26:14-15). The same Savior received both a love offering and a death plot within hours.
Judas: The Slow Fade of a Soul
Judas’ Holy Wednesday Betrayal didn’t begin in the shadows. It started with small compromises:
- Financial Greed: He stole from the money bag (John 12:6)
- Spiritual Pride: He criticized Mary’s worship (John 12:4-5)
- Political Disillusionment: He wanted a revolutionary Messiah
Jesus’ response reveals heartbreaking mercy: “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man!” (Matthew 26:24). Even at the Last Supper, Christ offered Judas the dipped bread – a final chance to repent (John 13:26-27).
Mary: Extravagant Love in Action
Mary’s anointing teaches us radical devotion:
- Timing: She acted before the crucifixion, not waiting for a corpse
- Cost: Nard equaled a year’s wages (Mark 14:5)
- Method: She used her hair – a woman’s glory (1 Corinthians 11:15) – as a towel
Jesus defended her: “She has done a beautiful thing to Me…wherever this gospel is preached, what she has done will also be told” (Matthew 26:10,13). While Judas calculated, Mary worshipped without reservation.
The Two Paths Before Us
This Holy Wednesday Betrayal presents every believer with a choice:
The Judas Path
- Values money over Messiah
- Sees worship as waste
- Chooses regret over repentance
The Mary Path
- Gives Jesus our best first
- Welcomes criticism for Christ
- Leaves a legacy of love
Reflection Questions
- Inventory: Are there small compromises eroding your faithfulness?
- Sacrifice: What’s your “nard” – the costly thing God asks you to surrender?
- Legacy: Will your choices point others toward Christ or betrayal?
Prayer
“Jesus,
Expose any Judas tendencies in me –
The love of money,
The criticism of worship,
The disappointment with Your plans.
Give me Mary’s courageous love
That breaks open precious things
At Your feet.
As Holy Week unfolds,
Keep me faithful when others betray,
Generous when others calculate,
And awake when others sleep.
Amen.”
