A reflection on Matthew 26:1–16
There is a question I find uncomfortable to ask myself: How much is Jesus really worth to me?
It is easy to say that Christ is the most important person in my life. It is another thing entirely to look at my decisions, priorities, finances and time and ask whether they reflect what I claim to believe.
While listening to a sermon by Pastor Tim Cantrell at Antioch Bible Church on Matthew 26:1–16, I was challenged by three contrasting scenes surrounding Jesus as He approached the cross.
There were those plotting against Him, a woman demonstrating extraordinary devotion, and one of His own disciples preparing to betray Him.
All three were close to the events of Jesus’ final days. Yet their responses to Him could hardly have been more different.
The sermon
Watch on YouTube: How Much is Jesus Worth? [ Matt. 26:1-16 ] by Tim Cantrell (Antioch Bible Church, uploaded 17 September 2025)
1. The Treachery of His Enemies
Read: Matthew 26:1–5 (NASB 1995)
In Matthew 26:1–5, Jesus tells His disciples that He will soon be handed over to be crucified. Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders are plotting to arrest and kill Him.
What struck me was that Jesus knew exactly what was coming.
He was not an unsuspecting victim caught up in events beyond His control. His journey to the cross was part of God’s redemptive purpose.
The religious leaders were making their plans, but God’s purposes would stand.
This reminded me of something I need to remember more often: God is sovereign even when the actions of people appear to be driving events.
That does not make human wickedness acceptable. The plot against Christ was evil. Yet even that wickedness could not overturn God’s plan to accomplish salvation through His Son.
When I look at the difficulties and uncertainty around me, I can easily become more focused on what people are doing than on the God who remains in control.
Matthew’s account calls me to lift my eyes beyond the immediate circumstances.
2. The Extravagant Love of a Devoted Woman
Read: Matthew 26:6–13; John 12:1–8 (NASB 1995)
The second scene, in Matthew 26:6–13, takes place in Bethany.
A woman approaches Jesus and pours expensive perfume over Him. The disciples question what they consider wasteful extravagance. Jesus, however, commends her action.
The parallel account in John 12 identifies the woman as Mary.
What others measured in monetary value, Jesus recognised as a beautiful act of devotion.
This raises a difficult question for me.
Do I know the price of everything but fail to recognise the value of Christ?
I spend a great deal of time weighing costs, considering whether something is worth the investment, and deciding where resources should go. Those are not necessarily bad habits. Stewardship matters.
But there is a danger when I begin applying that same cost-first thinking to my devotion to Christ.
Mary’s actions challenge the idea that love for Jesus should always be measured by what is convenient, economical or comfortable.
Her gift was costly, but the value of Christ was greater.
Jesus also explained that her act was connected to His approaching burial. Her devotion was therefore placed within the larger story of His coming death.
“Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”
Matthew 26:13, NASB 1995
I am challenged to ask whether my love for Christ is merely something I profess or something visible in how I live.
3. The Betrayal of Judas
Read: Matthew 26:14–16 (NASB 1995)
The third scene, in Matthew 26:14–16, is particularly sobering.
Judas, one of the twelve disciples, approaches the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
Here is a man who had walked with Jesus, heard His teaching and witnessed His ministry. Yet he was willing to hand Him over for money.
It is tempting to look at Judas and simply condemn him from a distance.
But the passage should also cause me to examine my own heart.
Where am I tempted to place something above Christ? What am I unwilling to surrender? Do my choices reveal priorities that contradict my profession of faith?
Scripture does not teach that money itself is evil. The danger lies in loving it and allowing it to become a master.
Judas is a warning that outward association with Jesus is not the same as genuine faith in Him.
Being near Christian teaching, attending church or knowing the right language cannot replace a heart transformed by God’s grace.
The Contrast That Challenges Me
The contrast in these scenes is striking.
The religious leaders wanted Jesus removed. The woman honoured Him at great personal cost. Judas was prepared to betray Him for financial gain.
Each response reveals something about the heart.
I cannot read this passage without asking where my own affections are directed.
It is not enough for me to admire Mary’s devotion while ignoring the ways my own priorities may compete with Christ.
Yet this passage is not ultimately about how impressive my devotion can become.
It points me towards the Saviour who willingly went to the cross.
My hope is not that I will love Him perfectly. My hope rests in Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for sinners and whose saving work is sufficient.
My love and obedience are responses to His grace, not the price I pay to earn it.
The true value I place on Christ is revealed not merely by what I say about Him, but by what I am willing to surrender in obedience to Him.
Bringing This Into Everyday Life
As I reflect on this passage, there are three questions I want to keep before me:
- My priorities: Does the way I use my time and resources reflect the importance I say Christ has in my life?
- My devotion: Am I willing to serve and obey Christ when doing so is inconvenient or costly?
- My heart: Am I trusting in Christ Himself, or have I become comfortable merely being associated with Christianity?
These are not questions I can answer once and forget.
They call for ongoing self-examination, repentance and prayer.
And through it all, I need to remember that the centre of the Christian life is not my ability to give enough to Jesus. It is the grace of God in giving His Son for me.
So how much is Jesus worth to me?
It is a question worth returning to, especially when my everyday choices begin to tell a different story from my confession of faith.
Join the conversation
What does Matthew 26 challenge you to reconsider about your priorities and devotion to Christ?
I would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Reflection source
This article is my personal reflection based on sermon notes from Pastor Tim Cantrell at Antioch Bible Church, covering Matthew 26:1–16. It is not a verbatim sermon transcript or an official publication of the church.
