Topical Encyclopedia The event of the anointing of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, provides a significant instance of presumption on the part of the disciples. This episode is notably recounted in the Gospel of Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and John 12:1-8. The narrative unfolds in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper, where a woman, identified in John's Gospel as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints Jesus with an expensive alabaster jar of perfume.The disciples' reaction to this act of devotion is marked by indignation and presumption. In Matthew 26:8-9 , it is recorded, "When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, 'Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.'" Similarly, Mark 14:4-5 echoes this sentiment: "But some of those present expressed their indignation to one another: 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.' And they scolded her." The disciples' presumption is evident in their judgment of the woman's actions and their assumption that they understood the best use of the resources. Their indignation suggests a failure to grasp the spiritual significance of the anointing and a focus on material concerns. This presumption is further highlighted by the fact that Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Jesus, is specifically mentioned in John 12:4-6 as the one who objected, not out of concern for the poor, but because he was a thief and keeper of the money bag. Jesus' response to the disciples' presumption is instructive. In Matthew 26:10-13 , He says, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me. By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." Jesus rebukes their presumption by affirming the woman's insight into His impending death and burial, a reality the disciples had yet to fully comprehend. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of presumption, particularly in spiritual matters. The disciples' indignation reflects a common human tendency to prioritize practical concerns over spiritual discernment. Their failure to recognize the significance of the anointing underscores the importance of humility and openness to divine purposes that may transcend human understanding. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:8,9But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? Nave's Topical Index Mark 14:4,5 John 12:5 Library The Temptation of Jesus Christ's Priestly Office The Epistle of St. James Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. part ii Resources What are patron saints? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |
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