Matthew 26:6-13 KJV
Matthew 26:6-13 is a passage from the King James Version of the Bible that reads:
6. Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
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.
8. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
9. For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
10. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
11. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
12. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
13. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
The Context on Matthew 26:6-13
Understanding the context of this passage is crucial for interpreting its meaning and significance. This event takes place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, in the house of Simon the leper. The timing is critical as it occurs just a few days before the Passover and Jesus’ crucifixion. Bethany was a place Jesus often visited; it was also the home of his close friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
Simon the leper, although not much is known about him, appears to be a healed leper, as lepers were isolated from the community. His home serves as the setting for this intimate and significant moment. The woman mentioned in the passage is identified in the Gospel of John (John 12:3) as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
The Meaning of Matthew 26:6-13
This passage holds profound theological significance. The act of anointing Jesus with very precious ointment, likely spikenard, a costly perfume, symbolizes several things. First, it signifies honor and devotion. The woman’s action was one of immense sacrifice and love, as the perfume could have been sold for a significant sum of money. This extravagant gesture reflects her deep reverence and recognition of Jesus’ worth.
The disciples’ reaction, particularly their indignation at what they perceived as wastefulness, highlights a common misunderstanding of value. They saw the monetary worth of the ointment and considered its potential utility in helping the poor. Jesus, however, emphasizes a different perspective. His response, “Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me,” underscores the spiritual and prophetic significance of her act.
Jesus explains that her anointing is in preparation for his burial. This prophetic act foreshadows his impending death and burial, adding a layer of solemnity and purpose. Jesus’ statement, “For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always,” is not a dismissal of the poor’s needs but a recognition of the unique and fleeting opportunity to honor him before his death.
Application in Life
The passage from Matthew 26:6-13 offers several applications for modern Christian life:
Extravagant Worship: The woman’s act of anointing Jesus exemplifies extravagant worship and devotion. It challenges believers to consider how they honor and value their relationship with Christ. Are we willing to give our best, our most precious resources, in worship and service to Him?
Understanding True Value: The disciples’ reaction serves as a reminder to evaluate what we consider valuable. Jesus teaches that spiritual acts of devotion hold eternal significance, often outweighing material considerations. This calls Christians to prioritize their spiritual commitments and discern God’s perspective on value.
Proximity to Jesus: Jesus’ reminder that “ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always” speaks to the importance of seizing opportunities to be close to Him. This can translate to prioritizing time for prayer, worship, and studying the Scriptures, recognizing the unique privilege of communion with Christ.
Preparation and Purpose: The anointing was a preparatory act for Jesus’ burial. It invites believers to reflect on how they prepare for significant spiritual milestones and purposes in their lives. Are we aware of and responsive to God’s plans and timing?
See Also: What Is the Will of God in Matthew 7:21?
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Comparing Matthew 26:6-13 with similar accounts in other Gospels provides a fuller picture of this event:
Mark 14:3-9: This passage closely parallels Matthew’s account but adds details like the ointment’s value, described as more than three hundred denarii, and the breaking of the alabaster box, indicating the total commitment of the woman.
Luke 7:36-50: Although a different anointing, this passage shares thematic similarities. A sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet, and Jesus teaches about forgiveness and love, illustrating the depth of gratitude and devotion that comes from being forgiven.
John 12:1-8: John identifies the woman as Mary of Bethany and specifies that the anointing took place six days before the Passover. Judas Iscariot voices the objection about the ointment’s waste, adding a layer of insight into his character and motives.
Each account emphasizes different aspects but collectively highlights the themes of devotion, misunderstanding of value, and prophetic preparation.
Modern-Day Relevance
Matthew 26:6-13 holds enduring relevance for contemporary Christians:
Challenges to Materialism: In a materialistic society, the passage challenges believers to reconsider their priorities. It calls for a reevaluation of how resources are used and encourages acts of sacrificial giving and worship.
Focus on Christ: The story underscores the importance of focusing on Christ amidst the busyness and distractions of life. Just as the woman seized the moment to honor Jesus, believers today are reminded to make time for worship and devotion.
Acts of Devotion: The passage encourages personal and communal acts of devotion that may seem extravagant or counter-cultural. It supports the idea that true worship often involves significant personal sacrifice and commitment.
Legacy of Faith: Jesus’ proclamation that the woman’s act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached highlights the lasting impact of acts of faith. It inspires believers to consider how their actions today contribute to their spiritual legacy.
Conclusion
Matthew 26:6-13 offers a profound lesson in devotion, value, and preparation. The woman’s act of anointing Jesus, misunderstood by the disciples, is affirmed by Jesus as a prophetic and significant gesture. It calls believers to reevaluate their priorities, commit to extravagant worship, and recognize the unique moments of spiritual significance in their lives.
This passage’s message transcends its historical context, offering timeless wisdom for Christians. It challenges materialistic tendencies, emphasizes the importance of devotion, and inspires acts of faith that leave a lasting impact. By embracing the lessons of Matthew 26:6-13, believers can deepen their relationship with Christ and contribute meaningfully to their spiritual communities.