Matthew 26:12
For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
**Matthew 26:12**
Jesus interprets the woman’s act as preparation for his burial. The oil, poured over his body, becomes a symbolic ritual that carries literal and prophetic significance. In Jewish burial customs of the first century, anointing the body was part of the process of preparing it for burial. By foregrounding burial, Jesus identifies the true meaning of the act and situates it within the larger arc of his passion. The moment also clashes with expectations: some saw it as waste; Jesus reveals it as costly devotion that anticipates his death and entombment. The disciples and bystanders are confronted with a forward-looking interpretation of worship, where acts of generosity are not only about present blessing but about participating in God’s salvific plan.
The verse ties extraordinary acts of devotion to redemptive suffering. It signals that Jesus’ life is headed toward burial, crucifixion, and resurrection—a drama in which costly devotion becomes a prophetic sign. Theologically, it underlines the potency of material gifts in signaling spiritual truth: the value of sacrifice that foreshadows the cross. It also invites readers to see acts of generosity as aligned with God’s purposes when they point beyond the moment to the gospel’s fulfillment.
Practically, this invites believers to view their resources as not merely for immediate benefit but as symbols that point to larger truths. Example: supporting a ministry that helps bury the dead with dignity among marginalized communities, or donating toward outreach that proclaims the crucified Christ. It also invites personal reflection: when have you offered something costly that pointed others toward Jesus’ death and resurrection? You might host a memorial or a service that centers on the hope of the gospel, using tangible items to communicate the gospel narrative. The key is intention: behind your acts of generosity, is there a connection to the gospel story and Jesus’ saving work?
Cross-References: John 12:7-8; Mark 14:8-9; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 9:3-7; 2 Timothy 1:6