What is the meaning of Matthew 26:11? The poor you will always have with you “For you will always have the poor with you” (Matthew 26:11a). • Jesus is quoting the truth first voiced in Deuteronomy 15:11, where God says, “There will never cease to be poor in the land.” The statement is literal; poverty will persist in a fallen world until He returns. • His words come in the middle of Mary of Bethany’s lavish act of pouring costly perfume on Him (Matthew 26:6-10; John 12:3-8). The disciples—Judas leading the protest—argue that the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. • The Lord does not diminish our duty to the needy. Mark 14:7 (parallel account) adds, “and whenever you wish, you can do good to them.” That echoes Galatians 6:10, James 1:27, and 1 John 3:17, each affirming tangible care for brothers and sisters who lack daily necessities. • What He does is re-set priorities. Acts of mercy remain essential, yet they are never a substitute for honoring Christ Himself. Matthew 25:35-40 shows that genuine disciples feed, clothe, and visit the poor because they see Jesus reflected in them. but you will not always have Me “but you will not always have Me” (Matthew 26:11b). • Mary’s devotion happens “while Jesus was in Bethany… reclining at the table” (26:6-7). Within days He will be betrayed, crucified, buried, rise, and ascend (Acts 1:9). His earthly, visible presence is about to end. • The Lord receives her costly worship because it recognizes the uniqueness of the moment. Once His body is laid in the tomb, no perfume could be poured on Him (Mark 16:1-4). • His physical absence heightens the value of personal adoration while He is there. John 12:7 records Jesus saying, “Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.” • After His ascension He sends the Spirit so believers still enjoy His real, though unseen, presence (John 14:16-18; Hebrews 13:5). Yet the chance to anoint Him in person will not return until He comes again (Revelation 19:11-16). • Practical takeaway: – Treat moments of worship as irreplaceable; no service opportunity, however noble, should eclipse wholehearted attention to Christ. – Serve the poor continuously, but give Jesus first place continuously. Summary Matthew 26:11 establishes two parallel realities. Poverty endures in this age, calling believers to ongoing compassion and generosity. Christ’s physical presence on earth, however, was a brief, unrepeatable gift; Mary seized it with extravagant love. The verse teaches us to keep mercy and worship in proper order—care for the needy because we love the Lord, and never let the busyness of good works crowd out personal, heartfelt devotion to Him. |
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