Sermon Title: Anointed and Betrayed – A Story of Devotion and Deceit

Scripture: Matthew 26:1–16

Preacher: Pastor Jim

What does true devotion look like in a world of spiritual betrayal?
Pastor Jim tackled this challenging question through a powerful examination of
Matthew 26:1–16, where the extravagant worship of Mary stands in
stark contrast to Judas’s calculated betrayal. Drawing a sobering parallel to recent
headlines about religious fraud, he illuminated how the same choices between genuine
devotion and self-serving manipulation still confront believers today.

Through careful exposition of Scripture, Pastor Jim revealed how Mary’s sacrificial act –
pouring out expensive perfume worth a year’s wages – demonstrated that Jesus was
worth everything to her, while Judas sold him for merely thirty pieces of silver.
The message hit home as he challenged the congregation to examine their own hearts:
Are we pouring out our lives in authentic worship, or making small compromises that could
lead to betrayal?

With pastoral wisdom, he called believers to choose integrity over image, value Christ
above possessions, and seize divine moments for faithful witness. His urgent appeal
was clear: In a world where spiritual leaders sometimes fail us,
Jesus remains worthy of our complete devotion.
Will you, like Mary, hold nothing back from Him?

Reflection & Discussion Questions

1. Betrayal and Trust

How does the betrayal by the leaders of the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America reflect the betrayal of Jesus by Judas? What are the similarities and differences?
In what ways can betrayal within the church impact the faith of believers and the perception of Christianity in the world?

2. Devotion and Sacrifice

What does Mary’s act of pouring out the expensive perfume on Jesus teach us about true devotion and sacrifice?
How can we identify and seize the “now or never” moments in our lives to demonstrate our devotion to Christ?

3. Value and Worth

How do the actions of Mary and Judas reflect their understanding of Jesus’ worth? How do we determine what Jesus is worth in our own lives?
What are some modern-day “thirty pieces of silver” that might tempt us to compromise our faith or devotion to Christ?

4. Integrity and Hypocrisy

How can we ensure that our public and private lives reflect the same level of integrity and devotion to Christ?
What steps can we take to prevent small compromises from leading to larger betrayals in our spiritual journey?

5. God’s Sovereignty and Human Actions

How does the sermon illustrate the concept of God’s sovereignty even in the midst of human betrayal and evil?
How can understanding God’s sovereignty provide comfort and guidance in times of personal or communal crisis?

6. Application in Daily Life

What practical steps can we take to live out a gospel worth remembering in our communities and daily interactions?
How can we cultivate a heart like Mary’s, willing to pour out everything for Christ, in our everyday decisions and actions?

7. Reflection on Personal Faith

Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between comfort and sacrifice for your faith. What did you learn from that experience?
How can we encourage one another to remain faithful and devoted to Christ, especially when faced with challenges or temptations?

Matthew 26:1–16 “Anointed and Betrayed : A Story of Devotion and Deceit”