matthew-26:3-16-nlt

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6

When Jesus was in Bethany. St. John tells us that the incident took place six days before the Passover, i.e. on the Saturday preceding Palm Sunday. It is St. Matthew's custom to describe events not always in their historical sequence, but according to some logical or spiritual connection which in his mind overrides considerations of time or place. (For Bethany, see on Matthew 21:1 .) Simon the leper . Not that he was a leper now, but either the appellation was hereditary, in reference... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6-13

The anointing at Bethany. ( Mark 14:3-9 ; John 12:1-8 .) This parenthetical episode is introduced by the two synoptists out of its chronological order, with the view of indicating the immediate cause of Judas's resolution to betray his Master, the issue of which they proceed to narrate (see on Matthew 26:14 ). This anointing must not be confounded with that related by St. Luke ( Luke 7:37 , etc.), where the scene, the time, and the actor were different, and the significance was of a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6-13

"Ointment poured forth." This incident has a unique honour set upon it by our Lord, who promises it worldwide and lasting fame. Thus accentuated, it claims our closest attention. Why does Christ desire honour to be given to the memory of so simple a deed as is here recorded? I. ONE WHO TRULY LOVES CHRIST WILL RECKON NO GIFT TOO COSTLY TO BE OFFERED TO HIM . Mary's adoration was prompted by adequate motives. She had often sat at the feet of Jesus, and she... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6-16

The supper at Bethany. I. THE ANOINTING . 1 . The house of Simon the leper. The Lord was always welcome there. It may be that he had healed Simon of his leprosy. He had raised Lazarus from the dead; he was regarded with the utmost reverence and affection by Martha and Mary. St. John tells us that Jesus, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany. "There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him." St. Matthew is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6-16

Troublers of the good. Jesus and his apostles were entertained at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper. Simon probably had once been a leper, and was miraculously healed by Jesus (see Matthew 11:5 ), and became a disciple of the great Physician. Bishop Newcome has admirably harmonized the accounts of the anointing at Bethany given by the evangelists Matthew, Mark, and John. This Simon prepared a supper, to which he invited Lazarus, his neighbour if not also his relative, who by the same... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:7

A woman. St. John identifies her as Mary the sister of Lazarus and Martha. Why the synoptists omit her name is not known; it is equally uncertain why St. John makes no mention of Simon. None of the synoptists notice Lazarus, though St. Luke names Martha and Mary ( Luke 10:38 , , Luke 10:39 ). It may have been at the time a matter of prudence or delicacy not to draw attention to them by name. But there is no discrepancy. One narrative supplements the other, and it is best to be thankful... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:8

When his disciples saw it. St. John states that the objection came originally from Judas. Doubtless, when it was once made, many concurred in it, not, indeed, from Judas's selfish motive ( John 12:6 ), but because they did not clearly apprehend the Divinity of Christ, nor the unspeakable sacredness of that body which was about to be the instrument of man's redemption. To what purpose is this waste ( ἀπω ì λεια )? Wordsworth notes that Judas is called υἱο Ì ς ἀπωλει ì ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:8

The law of waste. "To what purpose is this waste?" It is interesting to notice that St. Matthew speaks generally, and says, "his disciples;" St. Mark speaks carefully, and says, "some had indignation;" St. John speaks precisely, and singles out the spokesman—it was the man with the narrow, covetous soul, it was Judas Iscariot. His indignation, partly real and partly affected, was perhaps honestly shared by some of the disciples, especially by those of the third or practical group. To see the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:9

Might have been sold for much. According to St. John, Judas had accurately estimated the value of the ointment at 300 denarii, equal to about £9 of our money. When we remember that one denarius represented the daily wages of a labouring man ( Matthew 20:2 ), we see that the cost was very large. Given to the poor. And this "much" given to the poor. But piety is not shown only in giving alms; the honour of God has a superior claim. And Mary was rich, and quite able to afford this offering... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:10

Understood it. Either their murmurs reached Christ's ears, or he divined their thoughts, and proceeded to defend Mary's action and to give a new lesson. Why trouble ye the woman? The disciples, observed Bengel, were really acting offensively to Jesus in thus censuring Mary; but he passes over this, and blames them only in respect of their conduct towards her. Doubtless, their remarks had reached Mary's ears, and annoyed and embarrassed her. For she hath wrought a good work upon ( εἰς ... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:6-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:10

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