8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” (Matthew 26:8–9 (ESV)
4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.” (Mark 14:4–5 (ESV)
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (John 12:4–6 (ESV)
One of the principles of proper biblical interpretation is Scripture interprets Scripture. This means the Bible is its own interpreter and never contradicts itself. An example of this interpretative principle is found in the story of Jesus’ anointing at Bethany. Mark 14:4-5 and John 12:4-6 are a parallel accounts of Matthew’s text. All three Gospels chronicle the event occurred in the village of Bethany (Matt. 26:6; Mark 14:3; John 12:1).
Mary’s extravagant act of worship by anointing Jesus with expensive perfume (Matt. 26:6-7; Mark 14L3; John 12:1-3) was contrasted by the disciples’ indignant response. To be indignant (ἀγανακτέω; aganakteo) means to be angry and to judge something, or someone, as being wrong. It is to be irritated, provoked and upset towards someone or some situation. The disciples were indignant at Mary.
Some of the disciples expressed this anger only to themselves. Other spoke publically. They objected to such waste. They reasoned the nard, or expensive perfume, could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. They estimated the value to be in excess of three hundred denarius. A denarius was a day’s wage for a common laborer, it represented a year’s work.
Mark recorded the disciples scolded Mary (Mark 14:5). To scold (ἐμβριμάομαι; embrimaomai means to harshly denounce, and to exhibit irritation, or even anger, in expressing reproof. Mary was not shy in her worship towards the Lord. The disciples were not shy in their denouncement of Mary.
John adds this indignant response was not completely altruistic, unselfish and humane. He commented about Judas Iscariot’s true perspective towards Mary’s actions and the worth of the perfume. Judas was not concerned about the poor. He was concerned about himself. He was a thief, in charge of the moneybag and stole what was in it. This is a preview of Judas betrayal to come in the ensuing days.
“It is almost beyond belief that the disciples should, by implication, mark as lacking in sufficient sympathy for the poor a most generous hostess; in fact one who together with her sister was in the habit of showing hospitality to them and to their Master whenever these poor people (Matt. 8:20), in need of constant help (27:55, 56), were in the neighborhood. It is even more amazing when one considers that at this very hour these adverse critics, the disciples, were being entertained at the home of one of Mary’s friends,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
“He is ungrateful who denies that he has received a kindness which has been bestowed upon him; he is ungrateful who conceals it; he is ungrateful who makes no return for it; most ungrateful of all is he who forgets it.” — Seneca, De Beneficiis III.1.
What will be the response by the Lord to not only Mary, but also to His disciples? More to follow. May we quick to listen and slow to speak.
Soli deo Gloria!
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