Matthew 26:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It was customary among the Jews to anoint bodies with fragrant oils during burial, similar to the practices of the Egyptians, to ensure the bodies would be preserved, free from decay and unpleasant odor. Thus, He implies, through the offering of peace, that His body is to be laid in the grave. The Lord speaks of this while addressing Judas, who played a role in the burial. In a metaphorical sense, consider this: the leper represents the Gentile nations; the sinful woman embodies the church among the Gentiles, having anointed Christ with myrrh, symbolizing faith, upon His head, or more precisely, upon His Divinity. For anyone who believes that Christ is the Son of God bestows this anointing upon Him. Ultimately, Judas, who, as recorded in John 12:4-5, grumbled against her act, reflects the Jews who continue to criticize the church of Christ today.

(John 11:2.) Mary therefore had done this before. That she did afterwards in Bethany is distinct from Luke’s account, but is the same event that is recorded by all three, John, Matthew, and Mark. That Matthew and Mark say it was the Lord’s head that she anointed, and John His feet, is reconciled by supposing that she anointed both. Against this one might raise a cavil from what Mark says, that she anointed His head by breaking the box over it, so that there could be none of the ointment left with which to anoint His feet also. Let such caviller understand, that His feet were first anointed before the box was broken, and there remained in it, yet whole, enough wherewith to anoint the head by breaking the box and shedding the contents.

If her actions are recognized as virtuous, it stands to reason she will be rewarded accordingly. This woman, once a sinner, symbolizes the Church; the world represents the faith she expressed in Jesus Christ.

By reminding His disciples of the impending nature of His crucifixion, Jesus confronted Judas, who had not concealed his deceitful intentions, thereby affording him an opportunity for repentance. Earlier, Judas had criticized Lazarus's sister, exclaiming, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” John noted that Judas was not truly concerned for the poor, but was rather like a thief; he was the keeper of the money bag and was inclined to take what was inside (John 12:5, 6). The money bag was used for collecting donations for the needy. As its steward, he desired for the funds to remain within the bag so that he could pilfer it. Driven by his greed, he justified his actions at the time. However, upon witnessing the same opportunity slip away once more, he grew furious. According to Luke (Luke 22:3), at that moment, Satan entered him, compelling him to commit further malice.

So many years have passed, and the memory of her deed remains alive; the Persians, Indians, Scythians, Thracians, Sarmatians, generations of Moors, and the people of the British Isles recount what this woman did in secrecy in Judea.’ The words of the Lord regarding His imminent death must have deeply affected the hearts of the apostles. They had just heard Him say that He would be betrayed and crucified ‘in two days’; now they learned that the woman had already anointed Him for burial. Was His death really that near? It must have pained the devoted woman to think that she had honored the Lord in serving Him as His anointer when He remarked, ‘she prepared Me for burial.’ St. Chrysostom notes, ‘To prevent confusion for the woman regarding the subject of burial and death, see how He reassures her by stating, ‘in the whole world it will be said… what she has done.’ This served as both encouragement for the disciples and as comfort and commendation for the woman. All would eventually extol her, for she had foreshadowed the Passion through her act of preparation for burial. Why does Christ promise her not only spiritual blessings, but also everlasting remembrance? To instill in her hope for spiritual rewards. If she has performed a good deed, she will surely receive a commendable reward. Addressing the Lord's words asking, ‘Why do you trouble the woman?’ St. Chrysostom explains, ‘If you see someone making sacred offerings or caring for the church's adornments, do not allow these efforts to be sold or discarded, lest his enthusiasm be diminished.’ Likewise, Blessed Theophylact conveys the same sentiment of Christ: ‘When someone presents a gift to God, do not refuse, stifle their fervor, or direct them to give it to the poor instead; allow them to make their offering. If someone seeks your counsel on whether to donate to the needy or present to God, guide them to assist the poor. However, once they have brought their gift, discouraging them with demands is fruitless; such acts must be honored. Moreover, honoring God directly takes precedence over all virtues, including almsgiving. And if Christ, on account of humanity, associates His acts of mercy with Himself, don’t assume that devotion to God resides only in charitable giving. This is unacceptable. Serving Christ and showing kindness to the needy are distinct, although Christ attributes to Himself what is done for the impoverished, whether good or bad.’ Let us conclude our reflection on the Supper at Bethany with St. Chrysostom’s prayerful words: ‘And just as Thou didst not hesitate to enter and light candles among the sinners in Simon the leper's house, so You have also entered the abode of my humble soul, a leper and sinner. And as You did not cast away one like the sinful woman who touched You, have mercy on me, a sinner, who approaches and touches You. And as You were not repulsed by her soiled, unclean lips kissing You, cleanse my own filthy lips, my vile and unclean tongue’... ‘More than a harlot, O Blessed One, I bring no tears of clouds to Thee; but with silent prayer, I prostrate myself before Thee, beseeching Thee to forgive my transgressions, O Lord, I cry out to Thee, O Savior, purify me, a sinner!'..."

While one of Lazarus' sisters was serving the Lord during the meal, the other sister, Mary, may have felt a longing to express her gratitude for her brother's restoration to life, perhaps having missed the chance to do so earlier due to Jesus’ swift departure from Bethany. It was customary for Jews to wash the feet of their guests and to anoint them with fragrant oils before the meal; Mary desired to honor her Savior in this fashion. Without concern for the expense, she brought forth a precious vessel of nard. Pouring it on Jesus’ head and feet, she wiped them with her hair, signifying her humility before Him.

Responses to her actions varied. The disciples believed it would have been more prudent to sell the nard and give the money to the poor, influenced by their recent experiences with Zacchaeus and their continuous efforts to assist those in need. Yet one disciple harbored different intentions. Although he was responsible for the group's modest treasury, he sought to leverage the sale of the nard for personal gain under the guise of caring for the less fortunate.

In contrast, the Lord defended Mary, dismissing the seemingly valid concern of the others, and sought to prepare them for His impending departure. He noted that while the poor would always be present, He would not always be among them, and regarded Mary's act as a sacred preparation for His burial. He emphasized that no expense should be spared for His burial, urging them not to be overly frugal in their devotion to Him.

As Blessed Theophylact notes, she accomplished this “through a special act of God, symbolizing the Lord's death and the burial of His body.” She performed what, according to Jewish customs, was to be done shortly after the burial of Jesus Christ. The Lord added that if it were possible, having anointed His body with this ointment, it was indeed preparing Him for burial. “Amen, I say unto you, wherever this Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will be told in her memory.” The woman experienced great embarrassment, facing unjust criticism from those witnessing her deed, yet the Lord’s promise, which addressed those who grumbled, also acknowledged her devotion. St. John Chrysostom observes, “See how what Christ foretold has come to pass, and wherever you travel in the world, you will hear of this woman—though she is not renowned, was not surrounded by many witnesses, was not in a position of disgrace, but within the house of a leper, only in the company of Christ's disciples.”