Select Language
AaSelect font sizeDark ModeSet to dark mode

Matthew 26:11 meaning

In the context of preparing for His impending passion, Jesus highlighted the significance of devotion over practical concerns. The disciples expressed outrage at a woman’s extravagant act of love, presumably regarding it as a wasteful use of resources that could benefit the poor. However, Jesus defended her, emphasizing that the opportunity to serve Him in such a unique way would soon be gone. This incident serves as an important teaching moment reflecting the priorities of discipleship, where the immediacy of serving Christ takes precedence over ongoing social concerns.

In Matthew 26:11, Jesus noted the disciples would always have the poor with them, yet He, the Messiah, would not be present for long. His assertion underscores a profound truth about recognizing fleeting opportunities to honor God. While helping the poor is vital, there are moments in life where the urgency of devotion to Christ must take precedence. Thus, the anointing act becomes a poignant illustration of profound faith, highlighting that proximity to Jesus is a rare and sacred opportunity not to be squandered.

This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]

Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:

  • Matthew 26:6-13 meaning. When Jesus is in the home of Simon the leper, a woman anoints His head with expensive perfume. The disciples see this as a waste of money and resources. Jesus informs them that she has done a good thing and that it prepares His body for burial. This event is commonly referred to as "Jesus’s Anointing at Bethany."

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Matthew 26:26-29 meaning. The Lord’s Supper: Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples and leads them through what appears to be a Passover Seder. Matthew summarizes his account to include the three moments from Jesus’s retelling of the Passover that most stand out. During this meal, Jesus reveals how the Bread and Wine of the Seder Meal are chiefly about Himself and His role as the Messiah.
  • Matthew 28:11-15 meaning. The Resurrection Coverup Some of the soldiers who ran away from the tomb report to the chief priests about the angel who rolled away the stone. The priests confer with the elders and together they devise a scheme to cover up the resurrection. They bribe the soldiers with a large sum of money to tell the lie that Jesus’s disciples stole His body by night. The religious leaders assure the guards that they will keep them out of trouble if Pilate hears of their desertion or failure. 
  • Matthew 27:27-30 meaning. The Scourging and Mocking of Jesus: Pilate’s Third Attempt to Release Jesus: Matthew records how the Roman soldiers physically abused and cruelly mocked Jesus during His civil trial. After they scourged Him, the soldiers dress Him up as a ridiculous king, complete with a robe, a crown of thorns, and reed for a scepter. They act out a charade of paying homage to "the King of the Jews" and beat Him with the "scepter" and spit on Him. This passage is Matthew’s account of the Roman Soldiers physical and social abuse of Jesus. It occurred within the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment." 

Matthew 26:11