How should Christians interpret Jesus' statement about the poor in Matthew 26:11? Text Of Matthew 26:11 “For you will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have Me.” Immediate Narrative Context Jesus speaks these words in Bethany after Mary has poured expensive perfume on His head (Matthew 26:6-13). The statement answers the disciples’ indignation that the ointment was not sold and the money given to the poor. Judas voices the complaint (John 12:4-5), revealing ulterior motives; the Lord responds by affirming Mary’s act of devotion and by setting a proper hierarchy of priorities: worship of the Messiah first, ongoing charity second. Old Testament Background Jesus cites Deuteronomy 15:11 : “For there will never cease to be poor in the land; therefore I command you to open your hand to your brother, to the needy and afflicted in your land.” The allusion accomplishes three things: 1) It roots His words in Mosaic authority, demonstrating continuity between Testaments. 2) It reminds hearers that perpetual poverty is a consequence of the Fall, not a divine indifference. 3) It re-asserts the duty of generosity; Deuteronomy 15:11 is a command, not an excuse. Parallel Gospel Passages Mark 14:7 and John 12:8 repeat the saying virtually verbatim, reinforcing its authenticity across the Synoptic and Johannine traditions. Both parallels preserve the same tension between charitable duty and Christ-centered worship, showing that the early church did not see a conflict between the two. Literary Function In Matthew Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the Messianic King. Chapter 26 inaugurates the Passion narrative; the perfume anointing anticipates His burial (v.12). Thus the statement about “always” having the poor contrasts the transience of Christ’s remaining earthly presence before the crucifixion with the ongoing social reality of poverty. Theological Themes 1. Christ’s Pre-eminence: The Son incarnate is of incomparable worth; proper response is lavish honor (Philippians 2:9-11). 2. Perpetual Mercy Ministry: Christians remain obligated to serve the materially needy (Matthew 25:35-40; Galatians 2:10). 3. Eschatological Hope: Poverty will cease only when the King returns and creation is restored (Revelation 21:4). Church Historical Voices • Augustine: “He who came poor made many rich; let not the rich despise the poor, for Christ took their form.” (Sermon 50) • Chrysostom: “He said not this to annul almsgiving, but to exalt what was done to Him.” (Homily 80 on Matthew) • Calvin: “The opportunity of honoring Christ in the flesh was short; beneficence toward the poor is perpetual.” (Harmony of the Gospels) Common Misinterpretations Addressed 1. “Jesus minimizes social justice.” Reality: He quotes a command to generosity and elsewhere mandates care for the poor (Luke 12:33). His remark identifies sequence, not negation. 2. “Charity is futile because poverty is inevitable.” Reality: Scripture repeatedly calls acts of mercy “righteousness” (Proverbs 14:31; Matthew 6:1-4). The ongoing presence of need simply creates continual opportunity for obedience. 3. “Extravagant worship wastes resources.” Reality: God values wholehearted devotion (2 Samuel 24:24). Mary’s act foretells burial anointing and proclaims Jesus’ identity; Judas’ “economy” masked greed (John 12:6). Practical Applications For Believers • Prioritize Christ: Personal worship, proclamation of the gospel, and doctrinal fidelity take precedence over—even as they energize—social action. • Practice Generosity: Since poverty persists, believers structure budgets, churches, and ministries to relieve it (Acts 4:34-35). • Discern Motives: Judas used philanthropy as a smokescreen; Christians examine hearts to ensure both charity and worship are genuine. • Embrace Urgency: Opportunities to honor Christ in particular moments can be fleeting; obedience should be immediate and wholehearted. Socio-Economic Reality And Fallen Creation Behavioral studies confirm cyclical poverty patterns tied to broken institutions and individual choices—echoes of Genesis 3’s curse. Only regeneration through Christ transforms hearts, while biblical charity mitigates hardship and models Kingdom ethics. Eschatological Perspective The perpetual presence of the poor is temporary relative to eternity. Isaiah 65:17 promises a new heavens and earth in which former troubles “will not be remembered.” Jesus’ words, therefore, press believers to combine present compassion with future hope. Balancing Worship And Service Scripture harmonizes vertical and horizontal duties: love God supremely (Matthew 22:37) and love neighbor as self (Matthew 22:39). Matthew 26:11 safeguards this balance by preventing either pole from eclipsing the other. Conclusion Jesus’ statement is neither dismissal of the poor nor license for complacency; it is a clarifying reminder that adoration of the crucified and risen Lord is paramount, while sacrificial care for the poor remains an enduring command. Properly understood, Matthew 26:11 calls Christians to worship Christ with lavish devotion and to serve the needy with lifelong faithfulness until He returns and poverty is finally swallowed up in His perfect Kingdom. |
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