Matthew 26:8

“But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?”

Certainly! Let’s dive into a Bible study on Matthew 26:8 in the King James Version (KJV). This verse is part of the narrative of Jesus’ anointing at Bethany, just a few days before His crucifixion. Here’s the verse in question:“But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?” (Matthew 26:8, KJV)

In this passage, we find Jesus at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany, where a woman comes to anoint Him with costly ointment. However, some of the disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, express indignation and question the purpose of this seemingly extravagant act. Let’s explore the context and significance of this verse.

The Setting: This event takes place during the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, specifically two days before the Passover (Matthew 26:1-2). Jesus and His disciples are gathered in Bethany, a village located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem.

The Woman’s Act: A woman, identified in parallel accounts (Mark 14:3; John 12:3) as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, approaches Jesus. She brings an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment and pours it on Jesus’ head (Mark 14:3) or feet (John 12:3). This act symbolizes an extravagant and heartfelt expression of devotion and honor towards Jesus.

The Disciples’ Reaction: Matthew states that the disciples, upon seeing this act, had indignation and asked, “To what purpose is this waste?” They saw the value of the ointment and considered it a wasteful expenditure. It is important to note that Judas, who would later betray Jesus, was the one who vocalized their concerns (John 12:4-6).

Jesus’ Response: Jesus perceives their thoughts and responds to the disciples, stating in Matthew 26:10-13: “When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.”

Jesus defends the woman’s action, affirming that she has done a good work. He acknowledges that the poor will always be present and can be helped at any time, but He emphasizes that His time with them is limited. Jesus interprets the woman’s anointing as preparation for His burial, highlighting the significance of her act.

Lessons and Applications:

• a. The act of the woman illustrates a selfless and sacrificial offering of love and honor to Jesus. Her act of pouring costly ointment on Jesus’ body symbolizes her devotion, recognizing Jesus’ significance and preparing Him for His upcoming crucifixion and burial.
• b. The disciples’ reaction reveals a mindset focused on material values rather than spiritual significance. They failed to grasp the depth of the woman’s act and the true worth of Jesus.
• c. Jesus’ response teaches us to value acts of devotion and recognize their importance. The woman’s act was not a waste but a memorable gesture of love and preparation for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
• d. Additionally, Jesus’ statement, “For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always,” reminds us of the importance of balancing our acts of worship and service. Both are necessary and have their place, but the opportunity to honor and minister directly to Jesus should not be missed.