Matthew 26:11
For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 26:11
For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus isn't just saying the poor are a permanent fixture; he's highlighting the temporary nature of his physical presence. While opportunities to help the poor will always exist, this specific, intimate moment of service to him in his earthly form is fleeting and unique.
In the days leading up to Passover, as Jesus prepares his disciples for his impending betrayal and crucifixion, a woman pours expensive perfume on his head. Some disciples, led by Judas, become indignant, deeming it a wasteful act that could have provided for the poor, but Jesus defends her, recognizing her profound act of love and preparation for his burial. He then explains that while opportunities to help the poor will always exist, his physical presence with them is temporary, highlighting the unique significance of this moment.
Ever felt torn between helping someone in need and doing something that feels incredibly special but perhaps less 'practical'? Jesus addresses this very tension.
Jesus confronts his disciples' focus on the practical, highlighting the unique and irreplaceable nature of his presence.
The Heart of the Matter
When a woman pours expensive ointment on Jesus, some disciples are indignant, calling it a waste. They argue the money could have been given to the poor, a deeply commendable act in itself.
Jesus, however, doesn't dismiss their concern for the poor. Instead, he reframes the situation, saying, 'For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.' This isn't an argument against helping the poor; it's a profound statement about timing and opportunity.
Irreplaceable Moments
Jesus is pointing out that while opportunities to show mercy to the poor are abundant and will continue, his physical presence with them is fleeting. This act of devotion, anointing him for his burial, is a singular moment. It’s a recognition of who he is and what he is about to do – a unique act of love for a unique moment, an act of preparation for his death and resurrection.
A Lesson in Divine Timing
Jesus teaches that while consistent care for the needy is a vital part of faith, there are also moments that call for extraordinary devotion, especially when faced with the irreplaceable presence of Christ.
How do we measure the 'worth' of an act of love or worship? Jesus looks beyond the surface cost.
The disciples judged the woman's action by its monetary value and perceived waste. Jesus, however, evaluated it by its spiritual significance and loving intent.
Beyond Monetary Cost
The disciples saw a costly ointment (worth a year's wages for a laborer!) being poured out, a 'waste' of resources that could have aided the poor. Their perspective was economic and practical.
Understand the original words
ptōchos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Those who lack material wealth, often appearing in Scripture as a group requiring justice, compassion, and divine protection. In a spiritual sense, it often refers to those who recognize their need for God.
This verse highlights the contrast between Jesus' imminent, unique sacrifice and the ongoing, ordinary needs of the poor. It reminds us that while acts of charity are always important, the opportunity to show love and honor to Christ in His earthly presence is fleeting.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' final week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem for Passover, knowing his arrest and crucifixion are imminent. This verse is spoken during a meal at Bethany, shortly before his betrayal.
c. 30 AD
Plotting to arrest Jesus
The chief priests and elders, fearing Jesus' popularity, secretly plot to arrest and kill him, but decide against doing so during the Passover festival to avoid public outcry.
c. 30 AD
Judas Iscariot's betrayal
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, agrees to betray Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. This event directly leads to Jesus' arrest.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane
Following the Last Supper, Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane by the temple guard and Roman soldiers, led by Judas.
This passage directly supports Jesus' statement by highlighting that the poor will always be present in the land, making charity a constant opportunity and responsibility.
John 12:7This parallel account from John's Gospel explains Mary's action as an anointing for Jesus' burial, further underscoring Jesus' point that his time was limited and this was a unique act of preparation.
John 12:3-6This passage reveals that Judas Iscariot was the primary objector, motivated by greed, which adds a layer to Jesus' defense of the woman's actions and his contrast between the temporal value of money and the eternal significance of his presence.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4Paul's reflection on how he doesn't judge himself or his work by human standards, but by God's, echoes Jesus' validation of the woman's act, suggesting that divine approval is more important than human criticism, even from disciples.
Romans 12:1This verse calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, which connects to the idea of presenting oneself and one's resources to God. Mary's act is a specific, immediate example of offering something precious to Christ before his ultimate sacrifice, contrasting with the disciples' concern for a more general, ongoing charity.
calvinMatthew 26:1-13: "And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,"
- And it happened when Jesus had finished all these discourses, he said to his disciples, 2. You know that after two days is the passover; and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. 3. Then were assembled the chief priests, and scribes, and elders of the people, in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4. And entered into consultation how they would take Jesus b…
barnesMatthew 26:11: "For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always."
For ye have the poor ... - Mark adds, "Whensoever ye will, ye may do them good." It was right that they should regard the poor. It was a plain precept of religion (see Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 14:21; Proverbs 29:7; Galatians 2:10), and our Saviour would not prohibit it, but do all that was possible to excite his followers to the duty. But every duty should be done in its place, and the duty "then" incumbent was that w…
Jesus isn't just saying the poor are a permanent fixture; he's highlighting the temporary nature of his physical presence. While opportunities to help the poor will always exist, this specific, intimate moment of service to him in his earthly form is fleeting and unique.
In the days leading up to Passover, as Jesus prepares his disciples for his impending betrayal and crucifixion, a woman pours expensive perfume on his head. Some disciples, led by Judas, become indignant, deeming it a wasteful act that could have provided for the poor, but Jesus defends her, recognizing her profound act of love and preparation for his burial. He then explains that while opportunities to help the poor will always exist, his physical presence with them is temporary, highlighting the unique significance of this moment.
In the days leading up to Passover, as Jesus prepares his disciples for his impending betrayal and crucifixion, a woman pours expensive perfume on his head. Some disciples, led by Judas, become indignant, deeming it a wasteful act that could have provided for the poor, but Jesus defends her, recognizing her profound act of love and preparation for his burial. He then explains that while opportunities to help the poor will always exist, his physical presence with them is temporary, highlighting the unique significance of this moment.
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Jesus' Perspective: A Sacred Act
Jesus saw an act of profound love and devotion, an intentional preparation for his burial. He declares, 'She has done a beautiful thing to me.' He recognizes that this act is not about the ointment's price, but about Mary's understanding and her deep love for him, even foreseeing his death.
Divine Approval
Jesus’ defense of Mary highlights that true worship and devotion are not always measured by outward utility or practicality. Sometimes, extraordinary expressions of love, even if they seem extravagant by human standards, are deeply pleasing to God because they come from a heart that truly knows and cherishes Him. This act, in its time and context, held a value far exceeding its monetary cost.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' trial and crucifixion
Jesus is tried by the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, then crucified on the day before Passover. His death is seen as a sacrifice for humanity's sins.
"For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me." — Jesus isn't just saying the poor are a permanent fixture; he's highlighting the temporary nature of his physical presence. While opportunities to help the poor will always exist, this specific, int…