Verses 10-11
Jesus probably overheard His disciples talking, though His awareness of their thoughts could have been supernatural (cf. Matthew 16:8). Jesus regarded the disciples’ criticism of Mary as a bother to her. He called a beautiful thing what they called a waste. The disciples would always have poor people they could help, but they would not have the incarnate Son of Man with them much longer.
"The disciples’ concern for the poor is by no means incorrect. In this one instance, however, the timing was wrong." [Note: Hagner, Matthew 14-28, p. 759.]
"Implicitly, the distinction Jesus makes is a high christological claim, for it not only shows that he foresees his impending departure but also that he himself, who is truly ’gentle and humble in heart’ (Matthew 11:29), deserves this lavish outpouring of love and expense.
"Jesus is the poor, righteous Sufferer par excellence; and the opportunity to help him in any way will soon be gone forever [cf. Psalms 41]." [Note: Carson, "Matthew," p. 527.]
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