Matthew 26:9

"But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 26:9, Jesus's act of anointing with precious ointment by a woman (likely Mary) just before the Passover is seen by his disciples as wasteful and excessive. This reaction is understandable given first-century Jewish customs where such ointments were typically reserved for funerals or extreme hospitality, not acts of worship or celebration. The indignant response highlights the cultural norms and expectations that contrast sharply with Jesus's priorities, emphasizing his willingness to prioritize spiritual significance over material value.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 9. Sold for much. Mark and John say for 300 pence; that is, for about 40 dollars, [about £ 9.] This, to them, was a large sum. Mark says, they murmured against her. There was also an implied murmuring against the Saviour for suffering it to be done. The murmuring was, however, without cause. It was the property of Mary. She had a right to dispose of it as she pleased, answerable not to them, but to God. They had no right over it, and no cause of complaint ff it had been wasted. So Christians now are at liberty to dispose of their property as they please, either in distributing the Bible, in supporting the gospel, in sending it to heathen nations, or in aiding the poor.

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