Matthew 26:6-13 · Matthew

Anointing at Bethany

While Jesus is in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman pours very precious ointment on his head. The disciples express indignation over the perceived waste, but Jesus defends her actions as preparation for his burial.

Summary

The Anointing at Bethany is a significant event in the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting a moment before Jesus's crucifixion. The scene takes place in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper (Matthew 26:6). Jesus is present in the house, and a woman arrives with an alabaster jar filled with expensive ointment. The setting is intimate, as Jesus is reclining at the table, a common practice during meals in that era.

As the passage unfolds, the woman pours the precious ointment on Jesus's head (Matthew 26:7). This act draws a strong reaction from the disciples, who express their indignation, questioning the waste of such a valuable item (Matthew 26:8). They argue that the ointment could have been sold for a significant amount and the money given to the poor (Matthew 26:9). Jesus, aware of their concerns, addresses the disciples, defending the woman's actions as a good deed done for him (Matthew 26:10).

The passage concludes with Jesus explaining that the poor will always be present, but he will not always be with them (Matthew 26:11). He interprets the woman's act as preparation for his burial (Matthew 26:12). Jesus declares that wherever the gospel is preached, this woman's deed will be remembered as a memorial to her (Matthew 26:13). This statement establishes the lasting significance of her actions within the narrative of the gospel.

Chiastic structure

ⓘ
A

Matthew 26:7

“There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head”

B

Matthew 26:12

“For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.”

A'

Matthew 26:13

“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.”

Both A and A' focus on the woman's act and its significance, with A describing the act and A' emphasizing its lasting memorial.

Interpretation and theological stakes

The passage in Matthew 26:6-13 primarily establishes the significance of the woman's act of anointing Jesus with precious ointment. This action is meaningful because it serves as preparation for Jesus's impending burial, marking a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative. Jesus's declaration that this woman's deed will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached underscores the enduring importance of her actions. Her act transcends mere generosity; it is imbued with prophetic significance and devotion, highlighting the unique moment of Jesus's presence and the approaching culmination of his earthly mission.

The Catholic interpretation emphasizes the woman's act as an expression of deep devotion and a prophetic gesture foreshadowing Jesus's death and burial. This reading is driven by Jesus's words in verses 10-12, where he defends her actions as a "good work" and explicitly connects the anointing to his burial preparations. The Catholic tradition sees this as a profound moment of personal devotion and spiritual insight, where the woman's actions align with divine purposes, recognizing Jesus's messianic role and the sacrificial nature of his mission.

In contrast, the Reformed Protestant interpretation focuses on Jesus's response to the disciples, which highlights the prioritization of spiritual acts over material concerns. This reading is supported by verse 11, where Jesus points out the constant presence of the poor, juxtaposed with the fleeting nature of his physical presence. Here, the emphasis is on the spiritual significance of the woman's act, as it transcends the material value of the ointment. The narrative challenges the disciples to recognize the importance of spiritual devotion and the unique opportunity presented by Jesus's presence, rather than adhering strictly to material considerations.

After examining both interpretations, one can argue that the passage underscores the transformative power of recognizing and responding to divine moments. The woman's act, seen through either lens, calls for a reevaluation of values whether through the lens of devotion or the prioritization of spiritual significance. Both readings suggest that true understanding and action in faith go beyond conventional wisdom and societal expectations. This passage challenges believers to remain open to the profound implications of their actions when faced with divine encounters, urging a response that transcends the ordinary and embraces the eternal.

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