Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:11

"For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always." — Matthew 26:11 (ASV)

It is possible that Jesus’ knowledge of the complaints is here supernatural; but perhaps they were whispered and came to Jesus’ attention because they troubled the woman. Jesus begins his rebuke by accusing the disciples of “bothering” her. What they call waste, Jesus calls “a beautiful thing.” Jesus distinguishes between giving to the poor and the extravagance lavished on himself on the grounds that he will not always be physically present to receive it (cf. 28:20). His followers will always find poor people to help (cf. Dt 15:11). Implicitly, the distinction Jesus makes is a high Christological claim, for it not only shows that he foresees his impending departure but also that he himself, who is truly “gentle and humble in heart” (11:29), deserves this lavish outpouring of love and expense.