PROFIT OR LOSS?

Matthew 26:1-16

Tuesday, 15 April 2025

“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” –Matthew 26:13

The events that build up to the crucifixion of Jesus has been our meditation for this week. Jesus made His disciples aware of the impending events. The religious leaders and elders of the people plotted to catch him at the opportune moment. In the midst of all this, today’s reading portrays two contrasting individuals are presented through which their character in relation to Jesus is revealed. 

• The Benevolent woman

As Jesus was having fellowship at a house in Bethany, a woman having an alabaster flask of costly fragrant oil comes to Jesus and pours it over His head (V.7). John records a similar incident and identifies her as Mary, the sister of Lazarus (John 12). Her act was one of gratitude and goodwill towards the Lord which He recognized duly. It was a costly oil, valuable to her that she was willing to part with to honour the Lord. Though a few were critical of her benevolence, Jesus commended her and said she had done it rightly in preparation for His burial. Just as the Lord had predicted, we read of her benevolent act even today. 

• The Betrayer disciple

Just afterwards comes the betraying act of Judas the disciple who exhibited the character of a cheat and an avarice. He was willing to “sell” the Lord with whom he had closely walked and understood to be the One who is the epitome of love and humility. But the love of money superseded his love for the Lord! Thirty pieces of silver was the price of a slave as mentioned in Exodus 21:32.  The offer of such a sum reveals the attitude of the chief priests towards Jesus, of their contempt and showed they held him of little value. Moreover, Judas was willing to bend so low to betray the innocent Man who had done him nothing but good!

Looking at both the characters-

• Mary was unselfish and full of gratitude to the Lord who had forgiven her and given her a new lease of life. She let go of her valuable, maybe her best gift to honour the Lord.

• Judas was selfish and had in mind only material benefits, having no thought that Jesus’ life was at stake in his selfish ambition of gaining just a few pieces of silver. 

  
  

Both characters stand in stark contrast at the very close of Jesus’ life on the earth! One who understood His worth and the other who cared less for His life than some temporary gains! 

Brethren, its time for some reflection on our own lives with a few questions we can ask ourselves:

• How is my relationship with the Lord Jesus? Have I repented of sin and received His forgiveness?

• Am I living a life of constant gratitude to Him for all that He has done for my salvation?

• Is my attitude one of selfishness like Judas who thought only of momentary gain?  

• Or am I like the benevolent woman who is looking for ways to honour the Lord through my life? How can I express my gratitude in tangible ways that please Him?

• Have I betrayed the Lord through any actions? If so will I truly repent and seek His forgiveness?

  
  

We read of Judas who later felt remorse but not real repentance and he took his life (Matt.27:3-8). Neither the whole world nor everything in it can ever pay for the value of the salvation of a soul. Jesus said: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).  Will you gain the profit of salvation today?

Jesus, what can I give, what can I bring

To so faithful a Friend, to so loving a King?

Savior, what can be said, what can be sung

As a praise of Your name for the things You have done?

Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part

Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart – [lyrics: Matt Redman]

Listen: 'I will offer up my life'