Matthew 26:9

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

كَانَ مُمْكِنًا أنْ يُبَاعَ هَذَا العِطْرُ بِمَبلَغٍ كَبِيرٍ مِنَ المَالِ يُعْطَى لِلفُقَرَاءِ.»

What Does This Mean?

This verse is about the disciples criticizing Mary for using expensive ointment to anoint Jesus, suggesting it could have been sold and given to the poor instead. The key message is that while helping the poor is important, showing love and honor to God through acts of kindness is also significant.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a very special toy that costs a lot of money. Some people think you should sell it to buy food for hungry kids. But Jesus says it's okay to keep the toy because sometimes we need to show how much we love someone, just like Mary did with her ointment.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this account in the late first century AD, probably for a Jewish-Christian audience. The setting reflects the cultural value placed on almsgiving and the tension between practical concerns and spiritual devotion.

Living It Out Today

Imagine you have $100 to spend. You could buy something nice for yourself or donate it to help someone less fortunate. This verse reminds us that both actions can be meaningful, but we should also consider how our actions honor God.

Topics

• almsgiving
• sacrifice
• love
• faithfulness
• spiritual devotion
• poverty

Related Verses

• Mark 14:6
• John 12:5
• Proverbs 19:17
• Luke 10:38-42
• Matthew 15:4-6

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Jesus upset that Mary used expensive ointment on him instead of giving it to the poor?

No, Jesus understood and appreciated Mary's act as a show of deep devotion. He defended her actions by saying she was preparing his body for burial.

What can we learn about sacrifice from this verse?

We learn that acts of love and honor towards God are valuable sacrifices, even if they involve giving up something of great worth to us.

How does Matthew 26:9 relate to caring for the poor today?

It reminds us that while helping the poor is important, we should also ensure our actions align with showing devotion and love towards God in practical ways.

What was the cultural significance of using ointment in biblical times?

Using expensive ointments often symbolized honor and respect. It was a way to show deep appreciation, especially for important guests or figures like Jesus.