What a Waste

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Study Notes

Introduction

The contrasts in this text are understated but as profound as any contrast of any literature. There is love and hate, death and life, compassion and agitation.

Matthew "turns the corner" in this chapter and takes us down the road to the cross and resurrection. There is much to learn in these rich texts. May the Lord help us to see all He intends for us in these chapters.

1. The Plot Against Jesus
   1. Jesus' teaching, from Matthew's perspective, wraps up here. John has much more...
   2. His awareness: Jesus informs His followers for at least the 12th time that He is going to the cross.
   3. His adversaries and their strategy is found in verses 3-5. These men did not fear God, they were much more concerned with keeping their convenience and comfort by keeping Rome happy.
2. The Anointing of Jesus...
   1. The prosecution: Verses 6-13 is a flashback to the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Mary anointed Jesus with valuable ointment in anticipation of His death. The disciples were indignant, they thought it wasteful...but Jesus thought otherwise...
   2. The defense: Jesus said,
      1. "She has done a good thing."
      2. "She has good timing." Some opportunities don't come around a second time.
      3. "She has been listening." She actually heard and believed what Jesus had said.
      4. "She will be remembered in "THE Story." In other words, this was not the end of the Jesus Story, this was the beginning of the bigger and better part of God's movement to the nations.
3. The Betrayal of Jesus
   Judas, whatever his motive, provided the trickery the Sanhedrin had been looking for. We know this, Jesus is often rejected for not measuring up to preconceived expectations. What a waste.

Conclusion

Three paragraphs of waste...two that actually were and one that was not. One was the "waste of love," two were the waste of life. With whom do you identify today?

What we believe about Jesus is revealed in our choices.

Questions for Small Group, Family and Personal Reflection

1. Would you have thought what Mary did was wasteful? Why or why not?
2. If you do struggle with similar temptations, what could you do to see time and money a bit more clearly?