Commentary on Matthew 26:13

Matthew 26:13 states, "Verily I say unto you, Wherever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her." This verse concludes the account of the anointing of Jesus by a woman (Mary) at Bethany, which is a moment of great significance in the life of Christ and the narrative of the Gospels. Below, we provide a rich commentary based on the insights of several esteemed theologians.

Introduction to the Event

The context of Matthew 26:13 lies in the lead-up to the Passion of Christ. Jesus is in Bethany, where a woman anoints Him with precious ointment. This act of devotion provoked a strong reaction from the disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, who saw it as wasteful. However, Jesus defended the woman’s actions, stating that she had done a good work for Him.

The Significance of the Woman's Act

The anointing holds deep significance beyond the immediate context. Matthew Henry points out that this act symbolizes the preparation of Jesus for His burial. In a culture where anointing was reserved for royalty and the dead, this woman's act is both prophetic and poignant.

• Devotion and Sacrifice: The woman’s offering of expensive ointment marginalized societal norms, illustrating her deep devotion to Jesus. This act is a foreshadowing of Christ's impending death and burial, emphasizing the need for believers to identify the worth of Christ over worldly values (Albert Barnes).
• Recognition of Christ's Authority: By anointing Him, she acknowledges Jesus' messianic identity and His lordship. Adam Clarke stresses that this is a profound recognition of Christ’s role as Savior and King.
• Contrast to Disciples' Response: In contrast to the disciples’ criticism, this woman’s act illustrates the rightful reverence for Christ that His followers should maintain. It challenges readers to examine their own responses to Jesus’ presence and teachings (Matthew Henry).

The Memorial of the Act

Jesus declared that her act would be remembered as a memorial wherever the Gospel is preached. This pronouncement serves multiple purposes:

• Timelessness of True Worship: The insistence that this story will be told "wherever this gospel shall be preached" emphasizes the universality and eternal nature of true worship that transcends time and culture (Albert Barnes).
• Call to Recognize Faithful Service: This passage also highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring acts of faith that may appear insignificant or unappreciated by the world but are cherished by God (Adam Clarke).
• Inspiration for Believers: The memorialization of this beautiful act serves as an inspiration for believers to express their love for Christ through acts of devotion, underscoring that such service is never in vain (Matthew Henry).

The Broader Context: The Gospel Message

Matthew 26:13 reinforces the core message of the Gospel - Jesus’ sacrificial love and impending death for humanity's redemption. The act of the woman serves as a reminder of the profound responses that our faith should evoke. In the light of this context, we must ask ourselves:

• How do we demonstrate our love for Christ? The woman's extravagant act encourages believers to evaluate how they express their faith and devotion.
• What kind of memorial are we creating? Just as the woman’s act was memorialized, our lives and actions can serve as a testament to our faith in Christ.
• A Challenge to our Priorities: How much value do we place on our time, resources, and personal sacrifices for the sake of Christ and His mission? The passage pushes believers to reflect on their priorities (Albert Barnes).

Conclusion

Matthew 26:13 calls us to recognize the beauty of sacrificial love and the importance of such acts of devotion in the life of a believer. In studying this verse, it becomes clear that genuine acts of worship are celebrated in God’s kingdom regardless of their reception in the world. As the church continues to preach the Gospel, let us honor the lessons learned from this anointing, cherishing instances of true worship and recognizing the eternal impact they hold.

Let this verse challenge and inspire us to live a life full of devotion to Christ, each action reflecting His love, with the assurance that our faithful service will not go unnoticed in the annals of His redemptive history.