For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. ~ Matthew 26:11
The Gospels of Matthew (26:6–13), Mark (14:3–9), and John (12:1–8) each provide slightly different details but convey the same essential message. During a poignant moment just before Jesus’ crucifixion, a woman anointed Him with expensive perfume, provoking criticism from some of the disciples. They argued that selling the perfume and giving the money to the poor would be a better use of it.
Jesus responded with the now-famous words found in Matthew 26:11: “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.”
In the historical and cultural context of Jesus’ time, poverty was widespread. Jesus knew His disciples would have many opportunities to do good for the poor, but His time on earth as the Son of Man was ending.
Let’s look a little deeper. Was the woman anointing Jesus doing good?
Not every use of the term “poor” refers to money; remember Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
How amazing! Jesus sees the “whole of the whole” and instructs the disciples to see things from a different perspective.
We are to help those struggling and demonstrate compassion, empathy, and action. We should not accept poverty as an inevitable fate for anyone.
Matthew 26:11 is a beautiful reminder to take advantage of opportunities to help those in need.
God bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.
