Matthew 26:10
When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
**Matthew 26:10**
When Jesus perceives the criticism of those who deem the woman’s act wasteful, he responds with a corrective emphasis: the woman has performed a good work for him. This exchange occurs within a broader debate about how to prioritize Jesus’ presence and mission in the world. The disciples’ concern reflects a cultural ethic: help the poor is a constant, urgent obligation; a costly act toward Jesus might seem misdirected. Jesus, however, reframes the issue—affirming that honoring him in this moment has unique significance because his earthly ministry is reaching a climactic point. The phrase “a good work” signals that devotion to Jesus, even when costly, aligns with divine purposes. The timing here matters: Jesus’ near-term mission to Jerusalem, culminating in his death and resurrection, gives the woman’s act special weight as preparation and honor for the suffering Messiah.
The verse reinforces the theological theme that actions directed toward Jesus themselves have ultimate value. It also highlights discernment about timing and priority in moral decision-making. While care for the poor remains a biblical mandate, Jesus clarifies that there is a time when devotion to him takes precedence because it advances God’s redemptive plan. The goodness of the act lies not in its economic efficiency but in its alignment with God’s purposes at that moment. This foreshadows the broader biblical pattern: the godly prioritization of worship and mission, especially when Jesus is present in a unique, temporary way in the world.
In everyday life, you may face choices where helping someone in need competes with investing in a moment of worship, witness, or spiritual formation. This verse invites you to consider: are there moments when a costly act of devotion to Jesus is timely and needed for the body of Christ or for mission? Practical steps: set aside time for worship or a spiritual retreat even amid a busy season; support a faith initiative that shares the gospel in vulnerable contexts; or encourage a church or ministry event that centers on Jesus when other projects demand attention. The key is discerning the right “good work” in the right moment, and recognizing that worship and mission often require thoughtful, costly devotion.
Cross-References: Luke 7:37-38; John 12:3; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Corinthians 8:3-4