Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 26:8

"But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?" — Matthew 26:8 (ASV)

When his disciples saw it — There is a remarkable narrowing of the scope in the three narratives. St. Mark reports that “some had indignation,” while St. John, knowing who had whispered the first word of blame, pinpoints the uncharitable judgment as coming from “Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son” (John 12:4). The Traitor's narrow, greedy soul could see nothing in the lavish gift but a “waste” (literally, perdition) that was a cause for criticism.

There is something powerfully suggestive in the fact that our Lord repeats the very same word when He describes Judas as the son of perdition (John 17:12). He had wasted something far more precious than the ointment of spikenard. He was amazed that his Master would accept such an offering.

His indignation, which was partly real and partly feigned, was perhaps honestly shared by some of his fellow disciples. This was likely true of those in the third group, with whom he had the most contact, and whom we can reasonably consider as having a less fervent love and more limited sympathies than the others.