Matthew 26:12 - Exposition

On my body, she did it for my burial ( προ Ì ς το Ì ἐνταφια ì σαι με , to prepare me for burial ) . This doubtless was in some sort her intention (see on Matthew 26:10 ). She desired to offer what she could ( Mark 14:8 ) of the offices and attentions due to the corpse of a beloved and revered Friend. Christ interpreted her act, and gave it a solemn significance. By this effusion of the precious unguent site anticipated the embalming of the Lord's body; she showed her reverence for that body which was to be given for the life of the world not many days hence. The full meaning of the mystery of which she was the instrument Mary did not comprehend, but what she had consciously done received a wonderful commendation from the Lord, which has no parallel in the Gospel history.