Matthew 26:6-7
Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the text places Jesus at Simon the leper's house, the emphasis isn't on Simon himself, but rather on the fact that Jesus, the one who heals, is dining with someone who has experienced leprosy, showing his inclusive embrace. This detail highlights Jesus's comfort and fellowship with those society might shun, even before the healing has been explicitly stated for Simon.
Just days before his crucifixion, Jesus is sharing a meal in Bethany at the home of a man named Simon. This intimate setting precedes the plotting of the chief priests and elders against Jesus and foreshadows the solemn events of Passover, highlighting a moment of profound devotion amidst impending betrayal.
Why is it significant that Jesus was in the home of a man named Simon, who was a leper? What does this tell us about Jesus and his ministry?
This simple statement, "in the house of Simon the leper," carries profound meaning.
A Welcoming Heart
Leprosy was a deeply isolating and stigmatizing disease in ancient Israel. Those afflicted were often cast out of society. That Simon, a former leper, is hosting Jesus and others in his home suggests a community of acceptance and healing. It's highly probable that Jesus himself had healed Simon, demonstrating his power to restore not just physically but also socially.
Inclusive Ministry
Jesus consistently reached out to those on the fringes of society – tax collectors, sinners, and those with diseases like leprosy. His presence in Simon's home underscores his mission to bring the Kingdom of God to all people, breaking down social and religious barriers. This wasn't just a meal; it was a powerful demonstration of God's inclusive love.
While this seems like a moment of peace, the narrative is set against a backdrop of danger. What was happening behind the scenes?
Matthew places this intimate supper in Bethany shortly before detailing the plot of the chief priests and elders to arrest and kill Jesus.
Conspiracy and Calculation
The religious leaders were actively plotting Jesus' death. They feared a public uproar during the Passover festival, so they planned to wait until after the celebrations. However, Matthew's placement of this event suggests a subtle irony: while they were plotting in secret, Jesus was sharing a meal, aware of their plans.
Divine Foreknowledge
Jesus wasn't caught off guard. He knew his time was near, and he was willingly moving towards it. This event in Bethany, and the anointing that would follow, occurs within the context of Jesus' own understanding and acceptance of his impending crucifixion. He isn't a victim of circumstance; he is the willing sacrifice.
Understand the original words
Iēsous · Greek Noun
A title meaning "the Lord is salvation," given to the son of Mary, the incarnate Son of God and Savior of the world who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah.
lepros · Greek Adjective
A skin disease or condition in the ancient Near East that rendered one ritually unclean; it was often viewed as a divine judgment or a state of social exclusion.
alabastron · Greek Noun
A container made of a translucent stone often used for costly perfumes or ointments; it symbolizes high value and honor in an act of devotion.
myron · Greek Noun
A substance used for medicinal, aromatic, or ritual purposes (like anointing for burial); in Scripture, it often symbolizes an act of extravagant worship or preparation for death.
The timing of this event, nestled between Jesus' healing of Simon and the plotting of the chief priests, highlights the convergence of divine love and human treachery in the days leading up to the crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Jesus Heals Simon the Leper
Jesus likely healed Simon, a man afflicted with leprosy, in Bethany. This act of compassion would have established a connection between Jesus and Simon, leading to the invitation for the supper.
c. AD 30, six days before Passover— this verse
Supper in Bethany
Jesus attends a supper in Bethany at Simon the leper's house, where Lazarus, recently raised from the dead, is also present. This event likely occurred shortly after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
c. AD 30, six days before Passover
Mary Anoints Jesus
During the supper, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume. This act is seen by Jesus as preparation for his burial.
c. AD 30, shortly after the anointing
Judas's Indignation and Betrayal
Judas Iscariot objects to the "waste" of the perfume, suggesting it could have been sold for the poor. This reaction is a precursor to his betrayal of Jesus.
This passage introduces Mary and Martha, who live in Bethany and are known to Jesus, setting the stage for the later event at Simon's house.
Luke 7:36-50This passage describes a similar event where a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet, highlighting Jesus' grace and the costly devotion shown to Him, even if the details and individuals differ.
John 12:1-8This passage offers a parallel account of the anointing, specifically naming Mary as the woman and detailing Judas's objection, providing further context for this significant moment.
Matthew 20:28Jesus' impending death, a central theme in this passage and the surrounding context, is foreshadowed by this anointing, which He interprets as preparation for His burial.
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 26:6: "Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,"
In Bethany - See the notes at Matthew 21:1 . Simon the leper - Simon, who had been a leper. Leper - See the notes at Matthew 8:1. It was unlawful to eat with persons that had the leprosy, and it is more than probable, therefore, that this Simon had been healed - perhaps by our Lord himself. John Joh 12:1 says that this was the house where Lazarus was, who had been raised from the dead. Probably Lazarus was a relativ…
While the text places Jesus at Simon the leper's house, the emphasis isn't on Simon himself, but rather on the fact that Jesus, the one who heals, is dining with someone who has experienced leprosy, showing his inclusive embrace. This detail highlights Jesus's comfort and fellowship with those society might shun, even before the healing has been explicitly stated for Simon.
Just days before his crucifixion, Jesus is sharing a meal in Bethany at the home of a man named Simon. This intimate setting precedes the plotting of the chief priests and elders against Jesus and foreshadows the solemn events of Passover, highlighting a moment of profound devotion amidst impending betrayal.
Just days before his crucifixion, Jesus is sharing a meal in Bethany at the home of a man named Simon. This intimate setting precedes the plotting of the chief priests and elders against Jesus and foreshadows the solemn events of Passover, highlighting a moment of profound devotion amidst impending betrayal.
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c. AD 30, two days before Passover
Chief Priests Plot Jesus' Death
The chief priests and scribes, fearing Jesus' popularity, gather to plot his arrest and execution, deciding to wait until after the Passover feast to avoid public unrest.
"Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table." — While the text places Jesus at Simon the leper's house, the emphasis isn't on Simon himself, but rather on the fact that Jesus, the one who heals, is dining with someone who has experienced leprosy…
