Matthew 26:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What prompted the disciples to entertain this idea? They recalled how the Master stated: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Hos. 6:6) and criticized the Jews for neglecting the essential matters of “judgment, mercy and faith” (cf. Mt. 23:23). They remembered His teachings on the mount regarding acts of charity and began to reason among themselves: if He disapproved of burnt offerings and traditional rituals, He would certainly be less inclined to accept the anointing with oil. Yet, Jesus, recognizing the intentions of His beloved, permitted her to approach Him. Her deep reverence and profound devotion moved Him greatly, leading Him, in His immense grace, to allow her to pour oil on His head.

After hearing the Lord speak extensively on the subject of charitable giving and grasping its significance, the disciples started to admonish the woman, thinking that God cared more for His creation than for seeking glory for Himself.

When the disciples observed this, they reacted with indignation, asking, "Why this waste? For this oil could have been sold for a significant sum and given to the needy." Some may express confusion regarding the different accounts, noting that one Evangelist mentions that only Judas was troubled due to his handling of the money, as he had been hoarding it from the beginning. Meanwhile, the Evangelist Matthew records that all of the Apostles were upset. Such misunderstandings arise from ignorance of a rhetorical device known as synecdoche, where one represents many or vice versa.

Let us revisit the earlier mentioned woman, whose purpose remains elusive to the apostles, concealed by the wisdom of God throughout the ages; indeed, who has comprehended the mind of the Lord? (Is. 40:13; Rom. 11:34). The disciples expressed their grievances regarding a woman who had anointed His head, murmuring, “What a waste! This ointment could have been sold for a higher price and the proceeds given to the needy” (Matt. 26:8-9; cf. Mk. 14:4-5). It is challenging to discern what merits criticism in their statements until one perceives their underlying significance. This attitude is characteristic of a man who seeks indulgence in luxury, or more accurately, of one who lacks true manhood.

They were filled with anger, though it was a quiet fury, as indicated by Mark (Mark 14:4, 5), who noted that they remarked, ‘This could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii,’ and that they looked down upon it, expressing discontent over its perceived waste. Their response stemmed from their human nature, as their Teacher frequently taught about charitable giving, and they themselves had a strong concern for the needy, aware that God desires compassion rather than merely offerings (Hos. 6:6). It is indeed remarkable that this woman did not hesitate to make such a generous sacrifice for the salvation of her soul, for her act was not aimed at physical healing.

The Lord assured them that they would have ample opportunity to nurture the needy. Furthermore, it is solely at His directive that salvation can be bestowed upon the Gentiles who have been united with Him in the worldly sorrows represented by this woman, for renewal is attainable only for those who have experienced death with Him through baptism.

The Lord did not speak to the woman, yet His silence itself revealed that He accepted her sincere devotion, and no greater acknowledgment was necessary for a thankful heart. While there was a collective joy, it was abruptly marred by dissatisfaction. The disciples, upon witnessing this, grew angry. It is likely that Judas Iscariot was the first to voice his objections, just as he did in the house of Lazarus four days earlier, sharing his discontent with the nearby disciples. They began to express their perspectives, questioning, "Why this waste?" They believed that the fragrant oil could have been sold for a significant sum, perhaps more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the less fortunate. St.

As the Lord journeyed from Jericho to Jerusalem, He needed to pass through Bethany. There, He paused, and crowds of worshippers were already in Jerusalem, proclaiming that the promised Messiah was near. It was likely the Sabbath, which meant the people were mostly alone, as Bethany was beyond the permitted walking distance from Jerusalem. This event took place six days prior to the Passover. In Bethany, He dined at the home of Simon, who had been healed of leprosy. Martha, as was customary, managed the meal’s preparations. Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead, was also present at the table. One may wonder why the Evangelist chose to mention him—was it to signify his complete recovery, or perhaps to highlight the extraordinary honor afforded to this guest from beyond?

The woman approached Jesus from behind, swiftly breaking the slender neck of the alabaster container and anointing His head with the exquisite perfume. The sweet aroma filled the entire space, prompting some of the witnesses, and as noted by Matthew, even Jesus' disciples, to converse among themselves: "Why such a wasteful act? What possible value does this hold for Jesus, who embraced a life devoid of earthly luxuries, lived in humility, and had no stable dwelling? This precious myrrh could have fetched more than three hundred denarii! Would it not be wiser to allocate these funds to assist the poor?"

This act was one of complete love and remarkable selflessness, and the impoverished Galileans who followed Jesus, unaccustomed to luxuries, could only be amazed that such a valuable gift was squandered so quickly. However, within one of them, namely Judas Iscariot, this admirable deed of Mary stirred feelings of irritation and resentment. His base character, which was unable to be uplifted by a loving relationship with Christ, was already becoming evident. Disappointed by what he had hoped to gain from being part of Christ’s company, he began to deceitfully take from the communal funds. Witnessing Mary’s generous offering, which, if sold, could have provided a substantial contribution to the apostolic treasury—funds he felt entitled to—filled his heart with anger and bitterness. His spirit was already under the influence of the enemy. Tormented by greed, he disingenuously questioned, “Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”

The disciples were displeased, raising the question of what had influenced their feelings. They had heard the Teacher declare, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" (Hos. 6:6) and had criticized the Jews for neglecting essential matters—"justice, mercy, and faith" (Matt. 23:23). During His time on the mount, He spoke to them about charitable giving, leading them to conclude that if He did not accept burnt offerings or traditional rituals, He would certainly not welcome an anointing with oil. However, Jesus, perceiving the intentions of the woman, permitted her to approach Him. Noticing her profound reverence and uncontainable devotion, He graciously allowed her to anoint His head with oil. The disciples, unaware of her sincere motives, wrongly chastised her and, in their rebuke, inadvertently highlighted her generosity.

During an earlier meal at Lazarus' home, Mary demonstrated extravagant devotion by anointing Jesus' feet, which led to Judas, driven by self-interest, facing rebuke (John 12:4-6). On this occasion, criticism arose from those whose hearts were less clouded by self-serving ambitions than Judas’ was. Yet, despite the similar phrasing, there exists a profound contrast between the remarks made by Judas and those of the disciples. Judas’ seemingly respectable words were laced with hypocrisy, deceit, and insincerity, all of which were apparent to those discerning in spirit. Conversely, the disciples, as noted by St. John Chrysostom, expressed genuine confusion, unaware of the woman’s intentions, and thus struggled to fully appreciate her noble act.