This verse from Matthew 26:8 refers to an incident where a woman anoints Jesus with a very expensive jar of perfume. The disciples, upon witnessing this act, react negatively.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"But when his disciples saw this..." This sets the scene and indicates that the disciples were present and observed the woman's action.
"...they were indignant..." This describes the disciples' emotional reaction. "Indignant" means feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. They were upset and felt strongly that something wrong was happening.
"...saying, 'Why this waste?'" This expresses the reason for their indignation. They perceived the woman's act as a wasteful extravagance. They believed the expensive perfume could have been sold, and the money used to help the poor.
In essence, the verse means that the disciples were angry and questioned the woman's action of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, believing it to be a wasteful use of resources that could have been used for a more practical or charitable purpose.
Underlying Reasons for their Indignation:
Concern for the poor: This is the stated reason and aligns with the general teachings of Jesus and the disciples to care for those in need. They likely believed the money from selling the perfume could have made a significant difference in the lives of the poor.
Practicality: They might have viewed the act as overly sentimental and lacking practical value.
Misunderstanding Jesus's mission: They may not have fully grasped the significance of Jesus's impending death and the symbolic meaning of the woman's act. Jesus later explains that she was preparing him for burial.
Perhaps a bit of selfishness: Some scholars suggest Judas's concern wasn't entirely altruistic but that he may have had ulterior motives, such as wanting to control the funds himself (John 12:6 implies this).
It's important to consider the context of the entire passage to fully understand the significance of this verse and Jesus's response to the disciples' criticism.
This verse from Matthew 26:8 refers to an incident where a woman anoints Jesus with a very expensive jar of perfume. The disciples, upon witnessing this act, react negatively.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"But when his disciples saw this..." This sets the scene and indicates that the disciples were present and observed the woman's action.
"...they were indignant..." This describes the disciples' emotional reaction. "Indignant" means feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. They were upset and felt strongly that something wrong was happening.
"...saying, 'Why this waste?'" This expresses the reason for their indignation. They perceived the woman's act as a wasteful extravagance. They believed the expensive perfume could have been sold, and the money used to help the poor.
In essence, the verse means that the disciples were angry and questioned the woman's action of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, believing it to be a wasteful use of resources that could have been used for a more practical or charitable purpose.
Underlying Reasons for their Indignation:
Concern for the poor: This is the stated reason and aligns with the general teachings of Jesus and the disciples to care for those in need. They likely believed the money from selling the perfume could have made a significant difference in the lives of the poor.
Practicality: They might have viewed the act as overly sentimental and lacking practical value.
Misunderstanding Jesus's mission: They may not have fully grasped the significance of Jesus's impending death and the symbolic meaning of the woman's act. Jesus later explains that she was preparing him for burial.
Perhaps a bit of selfishness: Some scholars suggest Judas's concern wasn't entirely altruistic but that he may have had ulterior motives, such as wanting to control the funds himself (John 12:6 implies this).
It's important to consider the context of the entire passage to fully understand the significance of this verse and Jesus's response to the disciples' criticism.