Read: Matthew 26:1-16
The season of Lent could be described as a yearly journey to the cross for disciples of Jesus. In this series, we are studying the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 26-27, which describe the account of Jesus’ journey to the cross. By meditating on this journey, we hope to better grasp the words of Jesus for us: “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt. 16:24).
A central theme of Lent is the practice of giving up something valuable to us for a season. In our passage this week, we see a striking contrast. One gave up something valuable for Jesus, but another gave up on Jesus instead.
1. The Beauty of a Changed Life
In the first story, a woman approaches Jesus with expensive perfume and poured it on His head as an act of devotion. John’s Gospel reveals that the value of this perfume is a year’s salary for an average worker. This shocking act did not make sense to anyone except Jesus. Even the disciples became indignant, saying, “Why this waste?” (v.8). Jesus disagrees and commends her instead, indicating that what she has done is “noble” or “beautiful” in some translations. This extravagant act of freely giving up something valuable was clear, undeniable evidence that Jesus had changed her life.
Jesus does not consider her act of devotion to be a waste but rather the perfect accompaniment to the proclamation of the Gospel (v.13). Why? The beautiful thing she has done is the kind of thing people will do when the gospel has changed their lives. When we give things up (especially valuable things) out of love for Jesus, it shows we find Jesus not useful but beautiful. Everyday acts of faithfulness are wonderfully sacrificial, but sometimes, we are called to extravagant acts of giving up something for nothing other than to please our Savior and display His glory.
2. The Tragedy of an Unchanged Life
In contrast to the woman's act of devotion, the passage also highlights the tragic story of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples who betrayed Him. The story of Judas is one of the most difficult in the Bible. Despite being so close to Jesus - learning from Him, witnessing His miracles, and participating in His ministry - Judas remains unchanged and motivated by selfish desires. His pragmatic approach to discipleship leads to his ultimate betrayal of Jesus. His greed was a symptom of a deeper disease. He never moved beyond seeing Jesus as a useful, practical means to his ends. “What will I get out of this?”
The clear warning for us is that we can think we are so close to Jesus yet remain unchanged. For the calculating types, devotion to Jesus will not compute in ways that make sense of every situation. For the practical types, a beautiful life of obedience to Jesus is just the opposite. Nothing about the woman’s act even comes close to practical. For the academic types, following Jesus cannot be reduced to a logical or theological formula in your mind. A transformed life is undoubtedly much more. For the comfort types, devotion to Jesus cannot be structured without risks, difficulties, or even extreme suffering. If we can’t point to something in our faith in Christ of which any one of these perspectives would ask, “Why this waste?” Then we have to ask ourselves whether the gospel has truly changed us. Christianity is not finding the religion that “works for you.” It is about finding Someone you would give up anything for.
3. The Difference Between the Two
At the heart of the passage lies the contrast between the woman's beautiful act of devotion and Judas' tragic betrayal. The key difference between these two lives is their perception of the cross. Jesus points out that if the disciples understood what He was about to do (death on a cross), they would understand and see the beauty of what the woman had done. One preacher sums it up well. “Just like the disciples failed to see the beauty of the woman’s act, they failed to see the utter beauty of Jesus' coming act that she was preparing him for.” The woman gave up something finitely valuable to her for someone infinitely valuable, worthy, and beautiful – Jesus Christ. By contrast, the gospel is that Jesus gave up what was infinitely valuable and beautiful - his own life - for those that are utterly unworthy.
Jesus did not bear such a shameful, brutal, and ugly crucifixion because it was practical. The gospel is Jesus saying to us: “I will die for you, I will bear your sins, experience the deepest anguish of separation from God, and give you my own life, not because I will get something from you, but because I will get you.” The Gospel is not cold and calculating but warm, loving, and inestimable. Jesus put down everything to be with us, and he calls us to put down all the rulers, calculators, spreadsheets, and books to be with Him. In the end, the extravagant cost of anything we might give up in this life is nothing compared to what He gave up for us and the value we find in our communion with Him.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What about the sermon most impacted you or left you with questions?
In what ways do non-Christians and Christians in our culture find Jesus more useful rather than beautiful? What is different and what is similar between the two perspectives? Why can’t Christianity just be what “works for you”?
Reflect on a time when you made a sacrificial gesture for Jesus, whether small or large. What motivated you to do it, and how did it impact your relationship with Him? How did it change your perspective about the world around you?
Is there something you feel convicted to give up for Lent? Why or Why not? How do you know the difference between something you are supposed to give up for Jesus, something you can hold loosely, and something you can hold firmly?
Consider the warning signs of Judas’ mindset in your own life. What are some areas in your life where you may have been motivated by selfish desires or pragmatic concerns rather than a genuine devotion to Jesus?
Which one of the four perspectives mentioned - calculating, practical, academic, or comfort - resonates with you the most? Is there another one you can think of? How do you confront and grow through the harmful impact these perspectives can have on your obedience to Jesus?
How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for Jesus and His journey to the cross for you? Is there something you need to change or give up that has crowded out Jesus in your life? How can we encourage each other to do this from a gospel perspective rather than a guilt perspective?