Juxtaposed

You’ll find the two juxtaposed in the 14th chapter of Mark’s gospel.

The first is the unnamed woman who anointed Jesus’ head with a vial of perfume worth a lot of money.

When some angrily criticized her, Jesus rebuked them: “Leave her alone,” He said. “Why do you bother her? She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for the burial.” (14:3-8).  Then He added, “Wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

The second is Judas. Immediately after the Lord’s comment, Judas went off to the chief priests – and got a lot of money to betray Him to them.

Two people, side by side in the text. Wherever the gospel story is read or told – we learn about each one.

And if we’re listening, we’ll hear the Holy Spirit ask us, “Which of the two do you want to imitate?”