Busy Tuesday in the last week of Jesus’ life before the cross was followed by what some call “Silent Wednesday.” We don’t know too much about what happened on this day. Perhaps Jesus rested for what He knew the end of the week would bring. The Gospel writers detail a few events that more than likely happened just prior to this last week. Mark 14 recounts these events back to back, and in doing so, they could not be more startling. (Read verses 1-11)
First was the anointing of Jesus. “A woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.” [NIV]
The fragrance would have filled the room. It may have lingered for a long time on her hands. Jesus called it a beautiful thing and told us that “wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” [NIV]
What follows is the ugliest event in the history of mankind—the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Judas approached the High Priests and asked what he could get for handing the Son of God over to them. Matthew tells us exactly how much he received. “So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” [Matt 26:15-16 NIV]
One, gave a very expensive perfume to anoint the Son of God; another received 30 pieces of silver to betray Him. Could any two events be more astounding?
Precious Jesus, may we never betray You by anything we do! Amen.
