Jesus Anointed and Betrayed - Holy Wednesday (Holy Week Meditation - Encore Episode)

Matthew 26:6-13 NIV – (Jesus Anointed at Bethany) "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” This extravagant act symbolized Jesus was Christ, a title meaning “anointed one.” Anointing the head of Jesus was symbolic of anointing a King. God sees the desire and motives of our hearts. And every act of love, faith, sacrifice and obedience is recognized and remembered by our Creator. Also on this day, the Jewish leaders plot against Jesus, and Judas agrees to betray Him. "Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over." Matthew 26:14-16 Jesus was betrayed by a friend in his inner circle. We have all felt the sting of betrayal. And we have all stumbled, wandered and betrayed our Lord in one way or another. In this space, allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart…