The anointing of Jesus in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper is told in eight verses of the twenty-sixth chapter while the next three verses give an account of Judas in the act of selling the Master. In the first account we have devotion and in the second desertion. Extremes have done what they often do and here we behold them each confronting the other.  
A woman poured precious ointment on the head of Jesus as he sat at meat. Her devotion transcended all ordinary bounds being justified by His transcendent ministry. Had He not taught her lessons which no other teacher ever unfolded? Had he not befriended her when Lazarus lay in the tomb? Her ministry, so sincere and so timely, fills a place in his life and work and hence her deed of devotion is accepted with approval and even woven into the gospel record as a memorial of her.
 
Do we wonder why the disciples become critics, if not opposers, and ask with indignation, “To what purpose is this waste?” They saw no reason for it, no excuse. Unaware of the near approach of Christ’s death and burial they were quite well informed as to the cash value of the ointment. They were living on a business basis and thinking of an 17 empty treasury and the needs of the poor. But Jesus explained to them just why they made complaint and why this woman anointed him.
 
It is apparent that the disciples are not yet free from commercialism or they would know that devotion to Christ always helps and never hinders ministering to the poor. They are devoted to Jesus and whether they know it or not they are concerned about His approaching death and His victory over sin. But this woman surpassed them in devotion and in anticipating that victory. Of course there came a time when no ointment was too precious to measure the interest or express the devotion of these same disciples.
 
Right after Mary’s act of devotion Matthew places Judas’ deed of defection. Life is logical in its ............