Holy Week: A Walk to the Cross预览

The Price and the Promise

By this point in Holy Week, things were starting to shift. Jesus had been teaching in the temple, confronting religious leaders, and preparing His disciples for what was coming. Now, He tells them: “The Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” (Matthew 26:2). The cross wasn’t a backup plan—it was the plan. But while Jesus was focused on fulfilling His purpose, two people responded to Him in completely different ways.

First, there was Mary. She took expensive perfume—worth a whole year’s wages—and poured it on Jesus’ head. Some people thought it was a waste, but Jesus saw it for what it was—worship. Mary gave her best because she knew Jesus was worth it. She may not have understood everything that was about to happen, but she believed in Him. Her sacrifice was an act of love.

Then, there was Judas. He had followed Jesus for years, seen the miracles, and heard every teaching. But instead of worshiping Jesus, he betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. That’s about four months’ wages, a fraction of what Mary had just poured out in worship. In the same moment that Mary was giving everything to Jesus, Judas was selling Him out.

It might be easy to hate Judas for what he did, but here’s the reality: God was still in control. Judas thought he was making his own plan, but he was actually playing into God’s plan. That doesn’t mean God forced him to betray Jesus. Judas made his own choice, but God used it for His greater purpose—to bring salvation to the world.

This moment challenges us to ask: Are we more like Mary, giving Jesus our best? Or are we like Judas, giving Him up for something temporary? The good news is that even when people fail, God’s plan never does.

Reflection Question:

What’s something valuable to you that you can offer to Jesus—your time, your talents, your worship?

Prayer:

Jesus, you are worth more than anything this world can offer. Help me to have a heart like Mary, one that gives You my best, not like Judas, who traded You for temporary gain. Thank you for being in control, even when things seem chaotic. I trust your plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.