This sermon sets three responses to Jesus side by side—hatred that plots, love that pours itself out, and betrayal that calculates—to show how the human heart reacts when Christ draws near. Fearful self-interest seeks control and preservation, while greedy calculation treats Jesus as expendable, but true love recognizes his worth and gives extravagantly without reserve. The woman’s costly devotion stands as a living contrast to both religious manipulation and calculated betrayal, revealing that love for Jesus is shaped by gratitude, not gain or fear. The sermon ultimately centers on Jesus himself, whose steady, self-giving love does not depend on our mixed responses but remains faithful as he willingly gives his life for our salvation.