Matthew 26:12

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لَقَدْ سَكَبَتِ العِطْرَ عَلَى جَسَدِي لِتُعِدَّهُ لِلدَفْنِ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Matthew, Jesus is speaking about a woman who anointed him with expensive perfume. He says her act was a preparation for his burial and was done with love and devotion.

Explained for Children

Imagine you made your favorite cake to surprise mommy or daddy on their birthday. You're showing them how much you care! In this story, Jesus is saying that the woman who put special oil on him showed how much she cared about him because it helped prepare for his big goodbye later.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this Gospel around 80-90 AD for a Jewish-Christian audience. The cultural setting was one where religious leaders and Romans were in conflict, and Jesus' teachings were seen as revolutionary within the Jewish tradition.

Living It Out Today

Think about a time when you did something special to show how much you care about someone who is leaving or going through a tough time. Like preparing a goodbye meal for a friend moving away, showing your love can be very meaningful in times of transition.

Topics

• love
• sacrifice
• preparation
• devotion
• burial practices
• women in the Bible

Related Verses

• John 12:7
• Mark 14:8
• Luke 7:38
• Genesis 50:2-3
• Revelation 19:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Who anointed Jesus with oil?

A woman, likely Mary of Bethany, who is mentioned in other Gospels as anointing Jesus.

Why did she pour the ointment on his body?

She showed her devotion and prepared him for burial, indicating a deep understanding of his impending death.

What can we learn from this act today?

We can understand the importance of showing love through acts that may seem expensive or extravagant but are meaningful in light of someone's sacrifice or transition.

How does this relate to Jesus' teachings on devotion?

It exemplifies how true devotion often manifests in unexpected and costly ways, like the woman's act of pouring precious oil as a sign of love.