Matthew 26:8 meaning

In a poignant moment of devotion, Mary anoints Jesus with precious ointment, an act that sparks outrage among His disciples. They perceive her gift as extravagant, voicing their indignation and questioning why such a valuable resource—a year's worth of wages—was not sold to benefit the poor instead. This incident illustrates a tension between charitable intentions and the profound appropriateness of honoring Jesus in such a way, given His impending death. The disciples, though well-meaning, fail to grasp the significance of Mary’s act and overlook the unique opportunity to express love to the Messiah right before His sacrificial demise.

Jesus, however, defends Mary’s actions as a "good work," emphasizing the shortness of His earthly time and the importance of recognizing and seizing sacred moments. He acknowledges that while the poor are always present and deserving of care, His presence is fleeting, thereby elevating her act of devotion beyond mere charity to one of spiritual significance. In this context, her costly gift serves as early preparation for His burial, while Jesus proclaims that her deed shall be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. This highlights the theme of prioritizing profound devotion towards Christ, even amidst the duty to care for the less fortunate in our communities, which underscores the delicate balance of faith and social responsibility.