The Price

Two events happen close together. First, a woman “came to Jesus with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table,” (Matthew 26: 7). Then, one of the disciples, “the one called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’” (Matthew 26: 14-15).

The woman was reacted to do with indignant words by the disciples. What a wasteful woman they was she being was the claim.


Jesus responded, asking “‘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,” (Matthew 26:10-11).


The man, Judas sold out Jesus for thirty silver coins. He is still remembered, with the Judas kiss being an expression which reflects betrayal. This woman however is also remember, “what she has done will also be told, in memory of her,” (Matthew 26: 13).


There is a price of remembrance, a price to our choices. Some choices are the right ones and yet carry a high price. Tough love moments are not fun, yet can be the right decisions. Standing for the truth, for the right thing can again carry a high price. I think of the martyrs, both more recent like Martin Luther King and early martyrs like Paul. They paid the price of their lives, both choices made living and eventually leading to their death. High price – absolutely.


Consider the price when making a decision? Absolutely. Does that mean we don’t make the high priced decisions? Not a chance.