Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 26:6

"Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper," — Matthew 26:6 (ASV)

Now when Jesus was in Bethany — The narrative is given out of its proper order because of its connection (as indicated in St. John’s record) with the act of the Traitor. St. John places it (John 12:1) at six days before the Passover, that is, on the evening that preceded the entry into Jerusalem. It was, therefore, a feast such as Jews were accustomed to hold at the close of the Sabbath.

In the house of Simon the leper — We know nothing about this man beyond what is mentioned here. It is not likely, had he been a leper at the time, that people would have gathered for a feast at his house. It is natural to infer that our Lord had healed him, but that the name still remained with him to distinguish him from other Simons. We learn from St. John (John 12:2) that Lazarus was there and that Martha, true to her character, was busy “serving.” The Twelve were also there, and probably many others. The incident that follows is narrated by all the Evangelists except St. Luke, who may have either not heard it from his informants or, if he had, may have passed it over, having already recorded a similar event (Luke 7:37–40).