Thirty Pieces or Broken Perfume: Where Do We Stand?
There is a striking and uncomfortable contrast in Passion Week that refuses to stay buried in history. It confronts us today.
In one scene, a woman breaks an alabaster jar and pours expensive perfume on Jesus. The fragrance fills the room. It is extravagant, costly, and deeply personal. Some estimate its value to be about a year’s wages—an unthinkable offering in practical terms.
In another moment, a voice rises in protest. Why this waste? Why not sell it and give the money to the poor?
That voice belonged to Judas.
Scripture later exposes the truth—this was not compassion, but concealment. John 12:6 tells us he kept the money bag and helped himself to what was put into it. The one who spoke about helping the poor was quietly serving himself.
Then comes the turning point.
Matthew 26:14–16 records the same man walking to the chief priests, asking a chilling question: “What are you willing to give me?” The price was set—thirty pieces of silver.
Think about that.
The man who objected to a “wasteful” offering suddenly had no problem placing a price on Jesus Himself.
The Two Responses That Still Exist Today
This contrast is not just about Judas and an unnamed woman. It is about two kinds of hearts that still exist—often side by side, even within the same community.
There are those who pour out:
- People who give their resources for missions
- Families who sacrifice comfort to serve in difficult places
- Believers who invest time, money, and life for the sake of the Gospel
- Quiet givers who expect nothing in return
Like the woman, they may not always be understood. Their giving may look excessive to others. Yet, to Jesus, it is beautiful.
And then there are those who extract:
- Those who use ministry as a means of personal gain
- Those who speak spiritual language but calculate material benefit
- Those who stay “close” to Jesus outwardly but inwardly ask, “What will I get?”
- Those who turn service into opportunity—for recognition, money, or control
Like Judas, they may appear committed. They are “in the fold,” present in the circle, even trusted with responsibility. Yet their relationship with Jesus is transactional.
The Question Within Every Circle
We may be part of many circles.
We may call ourselves disciples or devotees.
Servants or ministers.
Leaders or laborers.
Clergy or laity.
We may be working in a community of faith—a church or a fellowship.
We may be involved in field ministry or leadership.
We may serve as an office secretary or a general secretary.
We may be founders of organizations or followers in movements.
None of these positions are the issue.
The real question is this:
Why are we here?
Are we doing this to truly serve Him?
Or are we doing this in His name, while quietly building something for ourselves?
This is not a question for others.
It is a question each of us must answer before God.
The Danger Is Closer Than We Think
It is easy for us to condemn Judas from a distance. It is much harder for us to examine our own motives.
Because the line between devotion and self-interest is not always visible to others—but it is always visible to God.
We may never betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
But we might:
- Hold back what we should give
- Serve with hidden expectations
- Use spiritual things for personal advantage
- Value comfort over calling
Judas did not start with betrayal. He started with small compromises.
The Fragrance or the Price
The woman gave what she could not get back.
Judas sold what he could never regain.
One filled the room with fragrance.
The other walked into darkness with coins in hand.
One is remembered for her love.
The other for his betrayal.
A Question We Cannot Avoid
So here is the question that confronts us today:
Are we pouring out our lives for Jesus—or quietly trying to gain something from Him?
Where do we stand?
Are we:
- Breaking the alabaster jar?
- Or counting the silver coins?
Because in the end, every one of us will be found in one of these two postures—not by words, but by what we truly value.
Let us take a moment and be honest before God.
Where do we belong?
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