Matthew 26:8
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
Matthew 26:8
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? The disciples’ reaction exposes their values: they equated the cost of the perfume with the usefulness of the act, labeling it wasteful. Yet Jesus challenges that assessment, reframing the act as noble and appropriate worship. The crowd’s critique is a moral test about the proper response to extravagant devotion. This moment also links to themes of stewardship, generosity, and the meaning of sacrifice. The disciples’ misjudgment may reflect a broader human tendency: to measure spiritual acts by worldly metrics rather than by their significance in God’s economy. Jesus’ defense of the woman invites readers to reexamine how they evaluate acts of devotion and whether they trust God to honor costly generosity, even when it seems imprudent.
Theologically, the scene highlights the value of worship that transcends practical calculations. It reinforces the idea that God values love and homage above utilitarian concerns. It also foreshadows the costly sacrifice of the cross and invites believers to trust that God can use even small acts for grand purposes.
In your life, consider if you’re prone to deem acts of worship as wasteful. Practice generosity that might not yield immediate returns but points others toward Christ. Encourage and defend acts of devotion that seem extravagant by worldly standards, recognizing they can reflect true worship.
Cross-References: Mark 14:4-5; Luke 7:36-50; John 12:3-8; 2 Samuel 24:24