All four Gospels speak of a woman with an alabaster jar of perfume 

This is called The Anointing at Bethany

We might not know her name by all accounts…but Jesus absolutely did 

She was a sinner in need of a Savior

Three Gospel accounts speak of the Son of Man being betrayed with a kiss

This is referred to as The Bargain of Judas

We know his name because he’s one of history’s most infamous traitors 

He was a foe disguised as a friend, one who shared Jesus’ bread

Weeping, wetting His feet with her tears, and wiping them with her hair

Anointing His feet with ointment worth a year’s wages 

In this Pharisee’s home, we witness here a prophetic preparation 

A sacrifice before The Sacrifice

An act of reverence and repentance 

And Jesus said, “Her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown.”

Judas Iscariot made a bargain with the Jewish chief priests

Identifying Jesus to the multitude with swords and club

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we witness a fulfillment of prophecy 

One of the chosen 12 becomes a traitor 

An act of betrayal and backstabbing 

And Jesus said, “Do what you came for, friend.”

She gave her best, sparing no expense 

It cost her everything she had 

Because she believed Him to be worthy 

Not knowing He was about to freely give up His life

He gave up his friend, airing his name 

He threw away everything he had 

Because of the misperceived worth of 30 pieces of silver 

Not knowing it would cost him his life 

Both stories tell of

Outsiders who were let inside 

Sinful lives with varying degrees of visibility 

Interrupted meals with eternal implications 

Jesus’ identity proven with a kiss

Two extremes on display

Devotion and Deception 

Repentance and Remorse

Belief and Betrayal 

Humility and Hypocrisy 

A few things remain clear 

Satan was on the move

But Jesus already knew 

Darkness tried to triumph

But the Light shone through

On this day, we can declare together 

Death has been defeated for me and for you

As His great love has shown