Matthew 26:9
“For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.”
Context:In this verse, Jesus’ disciples express their displeasure at seeing a woman pouring expensive ointment on Jesus’ head. They argue that the ointment could have been sold for a substantial amount of money and the proceeds given to the poor. This incident takes place during the final days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.
To gain a deeper understanding of this verse, it is beneficial to examine the context and significance of the events surrounding it. The passage is part of the larger narrative known as “The Anointing at Bethany,” which is recounted in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and John 12:1-8.
In this account, a woman, identified as Mary, sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus’ head with costly ointment while He is reclining at a table in Simon the leper’s house. The act of anointing with oil was a customary practice in biblical times, often used to honor guests or to symbolize the setting apart or consecration of someone or something.
However, the disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, objected to the seemingly extravagant use of the ointment, highlighting that it could have been sold for a significant amount of money and the proceeds given to the poor. On the surface, their concern appears valid and compassionate, as caring for the poor is a consistent theme in Jesus’ teachings.
Yet, Jesus responds to their objection by affirming the significance of the woman’s act and revealing the deeper meaning behind it. In Matthew 26:10-13 (KJV), Jesus says: “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 actions, emphasizing that she has performed a noble deed by anointing His body in preparation for His burial. Jesus indicates that the disciples will always have the opportunity to assist the poor, but He will not always be physically present with them. He recognizes the woman’s act as an act of devotion and foretells that her story will be shared wherever the Gospel is preached.
This passage teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it highlights the sacrificial love and devotion displayed by the woman towards Jesus. Her act of anointing Him with costly ointment serves as a symbol of her willingness to honor Him and prepare Him for His upcoming suffering and death.
Secondly, Jesus acknowledges the perpetual existence of poverty and the ongoing need to help those in need. While caring for the poor is indeed a crucial aspect of discipleship, Jesus asserts that there are specific moments and opportunities for acts of worship and devotion that may supersede other good works, such as selling the ointment to aid the poor.
Lastly, Jesus underscores the significance of this woman’s act by declaring that her story will be remembered and shared wherever the Gospel is proclaimed. Her act of devotion serves as an enduring example of selfless love and reverence towards Jesus.
