September 13

Text: Matthew 26:10-13

But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me.  For the poor you have with you always; but you do not always have Me.  For when she poured this perfume upon My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial.  Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done shall also be spoken of in memory of her."  (NASB)

Presumably by this gospel stating that Jesus was “aware” of this statement, the indication might be (1) the statement was not made in his literal presence, but (2) Jesus knew the statement was made.  (Often when we criticize, we are careful to make our observations in a context where we do not risk confrontation or disagreement.  We generally think critical observations are best offered in circumstances where the statements have receptive, supportive listeners.)  It would seem that this may have been one of those “I did not say anything” situations.

Whatever the circumstances, Jesus considered the statement a “bother” to the woman.  Note the following:

1.      Jesus’ reaction to the deed was the opposite of the disciples’ reaction.

2.      Jesus saw thoughtful kindness while the disciples saw wastefulness.

3.      The woman did something the 12 never did—she prepared Jesus for burial.

4.      If she knew the significance of what she did, she viewed his burial as part of a triumphant week,   
    whereas the disciples did not associate Jesus’ burial with triumph.

Jesus addressed the disciples’ desire to help the poor as an ever-present opportunity.  The opportunity to anoint his body for burial was a limited, vanishing opportunity.  Helping the poor was a godly act.  However, her anointing Jesus for burial was a godly act that exceeded helping the poor.