During the Ash Wednesday service,  Pastor Mike reflects on Matthew 26 to show that as Jesus moves toward his betrayal and crucifixion, people respond to him in contrasting ways: religious leaders plot his death, Judas betrays him for silver, while an unnamed woman offers costly perfume in an act of worship that prepares him for burial. It emphasizes that her seemingly wasteful generosity is actually faithful devotion, recognizing Jesus’ impending sacrifice and giving her best in response to his love. Connecting this to Ash Wednesday, the message calls believers to remember their mortality and, in light of the cross, to repent, walk in humility, and offer their lives in self-sacrificial worship as they follow Jesus through Lent.