S — Scripture
Matthew 26:8–10, 14–15
“Why this waste?” the disciples asked… But Jesus said, “She has done a beautiful thing to me.” …
Then Judas went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I hand Him over to you?”
O — Observation
It amazes me that the Gospel writers place these two stories side by side.
Mary’s beautiful act of love — and Judas’s cold act of betrayal.
This isn’t an accident.
It’s a mirror for my heart.
1. Mary gives everything; Judas sells Jesus for almost nothing.
Mary pours out a perfume worth a full year’s salary.
She gives her security, her treasure, her future — all to honor Jesus.
Judas sells Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, about a month’s wages.
Mary sacrifices what is precious.
Judas sacrifices Jesus Himself.
2. Mary moves toward Jesus; Judas turns away.
Mary’s act prepares Jesus for His burial.
Judas’s decision sets the betrayal in motion.
Matthew even says: “Then Judas went…”
As if Mary’s devotion pushed something in him — exposed something he didn’t want to face.
3. Extravagant love exposes hidden motives.
When someone worships Jesus with their whole heart, it reveals what’s inside others.
Mary’s love exposed Judas’s greed — and the disciples’ confusion.
Where Jesus saw beauty,
they saw waste.
A — Application
This passage asks me honest, uncomfortable questions:
- Is my heart moving toward Jesus like Mary, or holding back like the disciples?
- Do I criticize what I should actually admire?
- Am I giving Jesus what costs me nothing?
- What “perfume jar” is He inviting me to pour out?
I want a heart like Mary’s — not calculating, not cautious, not holding back… but overflowing with love.
P — Prayer
Jesus, thank You for Mary’s example. Her love exposes the places where I still cling to my own security. Help me not to hide behind excuses or criticism. Teach me to give You my best, my first, my costly worship. Keep my heart soft, humble, and surrendered. And protect me from the spirit of Judas — the fear, the greed, the calculation that turns away from You. I want to love You with my whole heart. Amen.
