Mark 14:4-5

Apparently Judas Iscariot voiced the disciples’ violent objection (Gr. embrimaomai, cf. Mark 10:14) to Mary’s act of loving sacrifice (Matthew 26:8; John 12:4-5). Customarily Jews gave gifts to the poor the evening of Passover. [Note: Wessel, p. 756.] Mary’s gift to Jesus was worth a year’s wages. The disciples could see no reason for this "waste" because they did not understand that Jesus’ death was imminent. Their concern for the poor contrasts with her concern for Jesus.