Mark 14:5
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
MARK 14:5
Verse 5 continues the critique: “For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor.” The price tag emphasizes the magnitude of the offering. The crowd’s murmuring reflects a concern for social welfare and prudence, amplified by the tension between wealth, poverty, and sacrificial worship.
This moment exposes a broader ethical challenge: zeal for justice and sensitivity to the marginalized must be balanced with sincere worship. Jesus later reframes this by elevating the value of devotion and reminding his followers that care for the poor should be ongoing, not the sole measure of all worship. It hints at the complexity of righteous action: both worship that honors God and acts of mercy toward the poor are essential, and neither should be neglected.
We should cultivate a posture that honors both spiritual devotion and social care. Practical steps: allocate resources to both worship and direct aid; pursue long-term programs that empower the poor rather than offering one-time gifts; cultivate a habit of listening to the poor’s voices in church decisions. The key is not choosing one over the other, but integrating heartfelt devotion with sustained compassion.
Cross-References
- Matthew 26:10-11
- Luke 18:22-23
- Proverbs 19:17
- James 1:27