Passover Plot, Anointing for Burial, and Judas' Bargain

Jesus predicts crucifixion at Passover while leaders plot his death. In Bethany a woman pours costly ointment on him; Jesus interprets the act as preparation for burial and promises her deed will travel with the gospel. Judas then goes to the chief priests and bargains to betray Jesus for thirty silver pieces.

Where this fits in the story: anointing can evoke kingship, priesthood, honor, and burial, but Jesus himself explicitly foregrounds burial here. The silver begins a Zechariah-shaped thread that Matthew will revisit in chapter 27.

Where Scripture takes it next: Passover becomes the setting in which Jesus interprets bread and cup around his impending death.