Tuesday of Holy Week

Matthew 26:1-16
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, "As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. "But not during the Feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.'

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Imagine doing an act of kindness which would be remembered for generations to come.

As our Lord proclaimed, this story of sacrificial love is a favorite of God's people. Many sermons are preached about this Mary who used nearly a year's worth of wages on perfumed oil for the body of Jesus. While others were worried about money, she was concerned only for her Master and His comfort. In spite of troubling comments from the disciples, she continued to perform this beautiful act of love.

In the background is Judas Iscariot, who is also remembered. His betrayal of Jesus is human nature at its worst. Have you ever met anyone or read about any other person named Judas? I have not.

Our world today is full of betrayals, but we are filled with the hope that is in the love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. He will never betray and will always love. We are secure in His love.

PB