How does Matthew 26:10 demonstrate Jesus' understanding of the woman's intentions? The Setting in Matthew 26:6-13 • Jesus is in Bethany at Simon the leper’s house. • A woman breaks an alabaster jar and pours costly perfume on His head (cf. Mark 14:3). • The disciples object, calling it wasteful. Jesus’ Immediate Response (Matthew 26:10) “Aware of this, Jesus asked, ‘Why are you bothering the woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.’” What the Verse Reveals about His Insight • He is “aware” before they finish grumbling—showing supernatural knowledge of both their thoughts and her motives (cf. John 2:25; Matthew 9:4). • He singles out the woman’s deed as “beautiful,” identifying the spiritual value behind what others mislabel waste. • He defends her without hesitation, proving He reads her heart correctly and knows her action is pure worship. • His use of “to Me” highlights that He recognizes her anointing as an intentional act of honor directed personally to Him, anticipating His burial (v. 12). Evidence of Full Understanding 1. Foresight: He links her act to His impending death (“She has prepared My body for burial” v. 12), something unknown to the woman herself, indicating He grasps layers of meaning beyond human perception. 2. Heart Reading: Like God who “looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), Jesus discerns the devotion behind the gift, not merely its monetary value. 3. Correcting the Disciples: By rebuking them, He shows He knows they misinterpret her intentions and need redirection. Why This Matters for Us • Jesus sees past outward appearances to genuine devotion; nothing given to Him in love is wasted (Hebrews 4:13). • Acts of costly worship may be misunderstood by onlookers, but He always understands and commends them (Mark 14:9). • His defense of the woman encourages believers to serve boldly, trusting His perfect knowledge of motives (Colossians 3:23-24). Related Passages • Mark 14:6-9 – Parallel account emphasizing the “noble” act. • John 12:3-8 – Highlights the fragrance filling the house and Judas’s selfish complaint. • Luke 7:37-50 – Another anointing where Jesus reads a repentant heart. |
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