John Calvin Commentary Matthew 26:8

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

And when the disciples saw it. This is also not unusual for the Evangelists: when something has been done by one person, to attribute it to many if they give their consent. John says that the murmur proceeded from Judas, who betrayed Christ (John 12:4). Matthew and Mark include all the disciples with him. The reason is that none of the others would ever have dared to murmur if the wicked slander of Judas had not served as a torch to ignite them. But when he began, under a plausible pretext, to condemn the expense as superfluous, all of them easily caught the contagion.

This example shows what danger arises from malignant and venomous tongues. Even those who are naturally reasonable, candid, and modest, if they do not exercise prudence and caution, are easily deceived by unfavorable speeches and led to adopt false judgments. But if light and foolish credulity induced the disciples of Christ to take part with Judas, what will become of us if we are too quick to accept murmurers who are in the habit of wickedly criticizing the best actions?

We ought to draw another warning from this: not to pronounce rashly on a matter that is not sufficiently known. The disciples seized on what Judas said, and, as it had some show of plausibility, they were too harsh in forming a judgment. On the contrary, they ought to have inquired more fully if the action deserved reproof, especially when their Master was present, by whose decision it was their duty to abide. Therefore, let us understand that we act improperly when we form our opinion without paying regard to the word of God, for, as Paul informs us:

None of us liveth or dieth to himself, but all must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, where we must give our account (Romans 14:7, 10; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

And though there was a wide difference between Judas and the others—because he wickedly held out a plausible cloak for his theft, while the rest were motivated by foolish simplicity—still we see how their imprudence withdrew them from Christ and made them the companions of Judas.