Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:8

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

With Judas as their spokesman , the disciples fail to understand what is taking place, not only in the anointing, but also in who Jesus truly is and in the rush of redemptive events toward the Cross (17:22–23; 20:18–19). Doubtless there were thousands of poor people within a few miles of this anointing.