Matthew 26:9
“For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.””
What does Matthew 26:9 mean?
When Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet just before his arrest, one of his disciples—Judas—objected that such a costly substance could have been sold instead and the money given to those in need. It's a fair-sounding critique on the surface, and it speaks to a real tension many of us feel: when resources are limited, shouldn't we prioritize the hungry and hurting over what seems like extravagance? What makes this moment complicated is that sometimes worship and devotion matter too, not just efficiency. Jesus actually affirmed Mary's choice, suggesting there's a place for both radical generosity toward the poor and radical love poured out toward God. If you're wrestling with guilt about how you spend your time, money, or energy, this story invites you to consider whether you're trying to earn your way into righteousness rather than acting from a heart already transformed by grace. The poor will always be with us, Jesus said elsewhere, but sometimes the wisest choice is to stop calculating and simply show up with what you have.