As Jesus approaches the cross, the pressure builds. The religious leaders are plotting his death (Mark 14:1). The disciples are confused, fearful and in despair. The one whom they have been following all over for three years, someone seemingly winning, is now losing. In this moment, Mark’s Gospel presents two strikingly different responses to Jesus. The first is from a woman in Bethany; the other from Judas Iscariot. Their stories aren’t mere history. They illustrate the choice every one of us faces in trouble.
If our faith is rooted in comfort, it will collapse when tested.
The most dangerous mistake we can make is to seek security in the world rather than in Christ. Following Jesus is not about comfort or convenience; it is about wholehearted devotion, even when costly. “If anyone would come after me,” they’d all heard him say, “let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Below we’re going to consider Mark 14. In this passage, we see two responses to Jesus, and we’ll consider how those challenge us: the woman’s response to the cross; and Judas’ response to the cross. After briefly unpacking each, we’ll ask how we ought to respond to the cross.
The Woman’s Response: Costly Giving
Jesus is in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper. Simon was once excluded from society. Yet he’d been welcomed by Christ. Into this setting comes a woman with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she breaks the jar and pours it over Jesus’ head. The disciples are outraged. “Why this waste?” they ask. “This perfume could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor” (Mark 14:5). But Jesus defends her. “She has done a beautiful thing to me, he tells them. “She has anointed my body beforehand for burial” (Mark 14:6-8).
Devotion to Christ is never wasted.
What looks like waste to others is worship to Jesus. Only it’s not so much about what we can do for Jesus; it’s our hearts he’s after. Unfortunately we tend to miss the point here, because deep inside we love the things of this world. So we try to force Jesus’ hand, a little like betting. ‘Give me a car,’ we pray, ‘so that I will be able to serve you.’ This is far from how the woman sees her possessions, recognising the urgency of the moment. Jesus is going to the cross. The hour is approaching. Therefore she gives what is most precious to honour him. This act is costly. It’s also shocking and thus misunderstood. But Jesus deems it beautiful. He promises that wherever the gospel is preached, her devotion will be remembered (Mark 14:9).
This challenges us. Are we willing to give up what is costly for Christ? Time. Resources. Ambitions. Even relationships. Perhaps it isn’t more money. Maybe the motives behind your wanting to give needs scrutiny. True discipleship means living with urgency, knowing that Jesus is coming again. Keep watching (Mark 13:32-37). The woman demonstrates that devotion to Jesus Christ is never wasted, such a response is the most beautiful thing we can do.
Judas’ Response: Self-Seeking
Mark places these stories alongside each other for a reason. Immediately after the woman’s act of devotion, Mark draws our attention to Judas, who went to the chief priests to betray Jesus (Mark 14:10). The contrast is deliberate. Damning. One gives up treasure for Jesus; the other gives up Jesus for treasure. Judas exchanges his Lord for 30 pieces of silver—roughly equivalent to a few thousand US dollars—but the woman poured perfume worth about 300 denarii, which is equivalent to nearly a year’s wages (US$30 000). It’s a stark contrast. Judas sold Jesus cheaply, while the woman gave extravagantly.
Importantly, we must pause at this point. For it’s easy to dismiss Judas as simply “the betrayer”. Mark wants us to feel the shock. He was one of the twelve, close to Jesus for three years (Mark 14:10). He’d heard the teaching, seen miracles and shared the meals. But when following Jesus became costly, he turned away. And we’re tempted to think he’s the worst. But look at the other disciples, then yourself. Peter will soon deny Jesus three times (Mark 14:66). James together with his brother John squabbled to secure a place by Jesus’ side (Mark 10:35), yet they disappear when things get desperate. John had ruthlessly asked Jesus to consume their enemies with fire from heaven (Luke 9:54). Thomas was full of doubt. The list goes on.
Proximity to Jesus isn’t the same as devotion to Jesus.
It’s a sober warning. Betrayal isn’t only possible for Judas; it is a possible response for all those who follow Jesus. For you. For me. Because if we aren’t onboard we’ll also disappear before the cross, when facing cost. We may look like followers of Jesus. You can sing the songs. You attended all night Easter prayers. But if our faith is rooted in comfort or worldly gain, it will collapse when tested. Judas shows us that proximity to Jesus isn’t the same as devotion to Jesus. Following Christ isn’t smooth sailing. It involves hardship. Sacrifice. Even persecution. It involves letting the dead bury the dead because it cost the Father everything. Judas wasn’t ready for demanding call. The woman was.
What About Your Response to Jesus?
By placing these stories side-by-side, Mark forces us to reflect. Who are we going to be: the woman who gave all for Jesus or Judas who gave up Jesus for something better? Following Jesus is easy when he asks nothing of us. But the call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him will come. Then it’ll be revealed what we’ve made of his warnings, “Do not store up treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19); his views on our enemies, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). What will you do when Jesus calls on you to serve the unlovable? To pray for an oppressive government? Will we follow him when obediences costs money, time, reputation, career or relationships?
True faith isn’t about what Jesus can give us; it is about giving ourselves wholly to him.
It’s critical that we as disciples notice something here. Costly giving isn’t premised on God first giving us much. Nor does it come with a promise that we’re going to get those things back and more in return. Jesus isn’t an ATM. He isn’t an investment plan. We shouldn’t foolishly think we can bend God’s arm. ‘Lord,’ we might pray, ‘give me money and I’ll be generous to others.’ If we’re asking God that it’s because we want money; not because we want to be generous. Jesus doesn’t serve us and our plans. He enlists us in his. Therefore we must be prepared to follow him, even if it’s costly. If we aren’t, testing will likely mean turning away from him (Mark 4:17). True faith isn’t about what Jesus can give us; it is about giving ourselves wholly to him.
Like the woman, following Jesus means surrendering to him. Judas, on the other hand, shows us that if we cling to the world we’ll likely betray Jesus when following him no longer serves us. As we close, note one last thing. Jesus isn’t asking us to admire the woman’s devotion and condemn Judas’ betrayal. He is calling on us to decide: choose today whom you will serve.
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