3 While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper , and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard ; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head . 4 But some were indignantly remarking to one another , "Why e has this perfume been wasted ? 5 "For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii , and the money given to the poor ." And they were scolding her. 6 But Jesus said , "Let her alone ; why do you bother e her? She has done a good deed to Me. 7 "For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 8 "She has done what she could ; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial . 9 "Truly I say to you, wherever e the gospel is preached in the whole world , what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 14:3-9
Commentary on Mark 14:1-11
(Read Mark 14:1-11)
Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us, and shall we think any thing too precious for him? Do we give him the precious ointment of our best affections? Let us love him with all the heart, though it is common for zeal and affection to be misunderstood and blamed; and remember that charity to the poor will not excuse any from particular acts of piety to the Lord Jesus. Christ commended this woman's pious attention to the notice of believers in all ages. Those who honour Christ he will honour. Covetousness was Judas' master lust, and that betrayed him to the sin of betraying his Master; the devil suited his temptation to that, and so conquered him. And see what wicked contrivances many have in their sinful pursuits; but what appears to forward their plans, will prove curses in the end.