Matthew 26:7-8
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. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text highlights that this wasn't just any perfume; it was an "alabaster flask of very precious ointment." This wasn't a casual gift; the vessels were designed to preserve expensive oils, often sealed, implying this was likely a significant portion, if not all, of her valuable possessions.
Just days before his crucifixion, as Jesus is sharing a meal at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany, a woman—identified by John as Mary, Lazarus's sister—approaches him. She performs a striking act of devotion by pouring a costly perfume from an alabaster flask onto Jesus's head. This is not just an act of worship; Jesus reveals it's a symbolic anointing for his burial, occurring at a time when religious leaders are plotting his death.
Why would a woman use an incredibly expensive ointment, and why did Jesus say it was done for his burial? This act was far more than just a gesture.
This passage reveals a moment of profound, almost shocking, devotion. The woman, later identified as Mary (John 12:3), brought an alabaster flask of extremely valuable ointment – so precious it could have been sold for a year's wages for a laborer (Matthew 20:2, John 12:5). The flask itself, made of alabaster, was designed to preserve the ointment, and often had a narrow neck that had to be broken or opened, signifying the complete giving of the precious contents.
Jesus understood the depth of her act. While the disciples saw waste and questioned the expense, Jesus declared it a 'good action' (Matthew 26:10). He explained that she had 'prepared' his body beforehand for burial (Matthew 26:12). This wasn't just a nice perfume; it was a prophetic act, anointing him with the costly fragrance reserved for royalty and the deceased, recognizing his coming death and burial.
The disciples were quick to judge this act as wasteful. How does Jesus redirect their criticism and teach us to value God's perspective over human opinion?
The disciples' reaction was one of practicality and social concern: 'Why this waste?' (Matthew 26:8). They saw the potential to sell the ointment and give to the poor, a noble cause in itself. However, their criticism missed the divine purpose and the deep spiritual significance of Mary's action.
Jesus' response is powerful. He doesn't dismiss the value of helping the poor but redirects their focus. 'You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me' (Matthew 26:11). He highlights the unique, fleeting moment he has with them. More importantly, he validates Mary's act, calling it a 'good action' that pleased him. This teaches us a vital lesson: human logic and societal norms don't always align with God's purposes. What appears foolish or wasteful to the world can be deeply pleasing to God when motivated by love and obedience.
Understand the original words
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.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A formal designation for those who follow a teacher; in the New Testament, it refers to the personal followers of Jesus who were called to learn from Him and imitate His life.
aganakteō · Greek Verb
A feeling of deep resentment, displeasure, or anger at what is perceived to be an injustice or an inappropriate act.
This act of anointing by Mary, occurring just days before Jesus' crucifixion, was seen by him as a pre-burial rite, foreshadowing his sacrificial death and signifying its eternal remembrance.
Early 1st century AD
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Jesus conducted his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples across Galilee and Judea.
Early 1st century AD
Rising Tensions with Jewish Leaders
Jesus' growing popularity and challenges to religious authority led to increased opposition from the chief priests and scribes.
c. AD 30
Conspiracy to Arrest Jesus
The chief priests and elders plotted to arrest and kill Jesus, but feared causing a public disturbance during the Passover festival.
c. AD 30— this verse
Supper in Bethany
Jesus was invited to a supper in Bethany, likely at the home of Simon the leper, where Mary, Martha's sister, anoints him.
c. AD 30
This passage identifies the woman as Mary, sister of Lazarus and Martha, and adds the detail that she anointed Jesus' feet, which provides a fuller picture of her devotion.
Mark 14:3Mark's account corroborates Matthew's, adding that Mary broke the alabaster flask, signifying the complete and irreversible nature of her offering.
Luke 7:37-38This passage describes another woman, a sinner, anointing Jesus' feet with tears and then with perfume, highlighting a similar theme of extravagant love and devotion expressed through anointing, though from a different context.
Isaiah 53:10This prophecy speaks of the suffering Servant's life being 'made an offering for sin,' which echoes Jesus' own interpretation that the ointment was for his burial, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice that would bring life.
1 Corinthians 11:25Jesus states that the woman anointed him for his burial, linking this act to his death and resurrection, which is the central 'memorial' of the New Covenant, much like this anointing is to be remembered.
vincentMatthew 26:7: "There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat."
An alabaster box (ἀλάβαστρον)Rev., cruse; flask in margin. Lit., an alabaster, just as we call a drinking-vessel made of glass a glass. Luther renders glass. It was a kind of cruet, having a cylindrical form at the top. Pliny compares these vessels to a closed rosebud, and says that ointments are best preserved in them.
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…
The text highlights that this wasn't just any perfume; it was an "alabaster flask of very precious ointment." This wasn't a casual gift; the vessels were designed to preserve expensive oils, often sealed, implying this was likely a significant portion, if not all, of her valuable possessions.
Just days before his crucifixion, as Jesus is sharing a meal at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany, a woman—identified by John as Mary, Lazarus's sister—approaches him. She performs a striking act of devotion by pouring a costly perfume from an alabaster flask onto Jesus's head. This is not just an act of worship; Jesus reveals it's a symbolic anointing for his burial, occurring at a time when religious leaders are plotting his death.
Just days before his crucifixion, as Jesus is sharing a meal at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany, a woman—identified by John as Mary, Lazarus's sister—approaches him. She performs a striking act of devotion by pouring a costly perfume from an alabaster flask onto Jesus's head. This is not just an act of worship; Jesus reveals it's a symbolic anointing for his burial, occurring at a time when religious leaders are plotting his death.
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apōleia · Greek Noun
An act of squandering or misusing resources; in a spiritual context, it refers to using something valuable in a way that others perceive as purposeless or lacking in utility.
Judas's Betrayal Agreement
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, agrees to betray Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest and Crucifixion
Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, tried, and crucified on the day after the Passover meal.
"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. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?" — The text highlights that this wasn't just any perfume; it was an "alabaster flask of very precious ointment." This wasn't a casual gift; the vessels were designed to preserve expensive oils, often se…
