For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just saying the poor will always be around; he's highlighting a unique, fleeting moment. This act of devotion to him, while possible because he's physically present, won't be an option once he's gone.
For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just predicted his impending death and crucifixion to his disciples. In Bethany, a woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume, which some disciples criticize as a wasteful act that could have benefited the poor. Jesus defends her action, explaining that while opportunities to help the poor are ever-present, his own time with them is drawing to a close.
Why did Jesus push back against a seemingly good idea from his disciples? It turns out not all 'good deeds' are created equal when time is of the essence.
Jesus is responding to disciples who are upset about a woman anointing him with expensive perfume. They think it's a waste and that the money should have been given to the poor.
A Superior Calling
Jesus doesn't dismiss the importance of caring for the poor. In fact, he affirms it's a duty that will always be present. However, he contrasts this ongoing opportunity with his own imminent departure. His bodily presence among them was unique and temporary.
The Value of the Present Moment
This moment with Jesus was a once-in-a-lifetime event. The woman's act of devotion, while costly, was a profound expression of love and preparation for his burial. Jesus is teaching that while charity is always a virtue, recognizing and responding to unique, unrepeatable moments of divine encounter holds a special, higher priority.
The disciples saw waste, but Jesus saw a powerful act of love that would echo through eternity. What makes an act truly valuable in God's eyes?
The disciples, particularly Judas, criticized the woman's act as wasteful. They couldn't see past the monetary value of the ointment and the immediate needs of the poor.
Beyond Financial Value
Jesus reframes their perspective entirely. He doesn't just defend the woman; he elevates her action. He explains that she was anointing him in preparation for his burial. This wasn't just generosity; it was a profound, anticipatory act of love and worship directed at him in his final earthly days.
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An Eternal Impact
Jesus goes on to say that this act will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. This highlights that acts of costly, devoted love for Christ have an eternal significance that far outweighs their immediate cost or earthly perception. It's a testament to the value God places on wholehearted devotion, especially when offered in anticipation of his ultimate sacrifice.
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 Jesus' awareness of his imminent death. While acts of charity towards the poor are always important, Jesus points out the unique and final opportunity to show love and honor to him directly before his sacrifice.
c. 30 AD
Conspiracy to Kill Jesus
The chief priests and elders plot to arrest and kill Jesus, but decide against doing so during the Passover festival to avoid public unrest.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Anointing in Bethany
A woman (identified as Mary in John's Gospel) anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume in the home of Simon the leper. Some disciples, led by Judas, protest this as a waste of resources that could have been given to the poor.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Prediction of Betrayal
Jesus defends the woman's action, stating that while the poor will always be among them, he himself will not be with them always, alluding to his impending death and crucifixion.
c. 30 AD
Passover Feast Begins
Jesus celebrates the Passover meal with his disciples in Jerusalem, where he again predicts his betrayal and establishes the Lord's Supper.
c. 30 AD
Arrest and Trial of Jesus
Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, followed by a series of trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha and then buried in a tomb. His death fulfills the prophecy of his departure mentioned during the anointing incident.
This passage from the Old Testament Law directly states that the poor will always be among the people, establishing the principle Jesus affirms when defending Mary's actions.
John 12:1-8This parallel account of the anointing at Bethany highlights Judas's specific objection to the 'waste' and Jesus's response, echoing the sentiment in Matthew 26:11 by emphasizing the preciousness of the act and the limited time for such devotion to Jesus.
Proverbs 19:17This proverb teaches that showing kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, reinforcing the disciples' initial concern and Jesus's broader point that helping the needy is always a righteous act, though in this moment, a different, more urgent act of love was being performed.
1 Corinthians 4:3-5Paul's teaching that we should not be judged by others but by the Lord emphasizes Jesus's defense of Mary's action; His approval is what matters, not the disciples' immediate, critical judgment, mirroring the core idea that God's perspective transcends human opinion.
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 will always be around; he's highlighting a unique, fleeting moment. This act of devotion to him, while possible because he's physically present, won't be an option once he's gone.
Jesus has just predicted his impending death and crucifixion to his disciples. In Bethany, a woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume, which some disciples criticize as a wasteful act that could have benefited the poor. Jesus defends her action, explaining that while opportunities to help the poor are ever-present, his own time with them is drawing to a close.
Jesus has just predicted his impending death and crucifixion to his disciples. In Bethany, a woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume, which some disciples criticize as a wasteful act that could have benefited the poor. Jesus defends her action, explaining that while opportunities to help the poor are ever-present, his own time with them is drawing to a close.
"For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me." — Jesus isn't just saying the poor will always be around; he's highlighting a unique, fleeting moment. This act of devotion to him, while possible because he's physically present, won't be an option on…
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Last reviewed October 2026