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The plot against Jesus, first noted in 3:6, now takes shape as Judas agrees to deliver Jesus to the Jewish leaders apart from the crowds they feared. Mark observes that Judas is one of the Twelve: even past, close companionship with Jesus does not guarantee faithfulness in trial. Judas’s malicious deed contrasts with the work of the anonymous woman, whose profound generosity and devotion is remembered. Jesus interprets her service as an anticipation of his death, a burial anointing, so significant an act that it took precedence over almsgiving.