6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper,
7a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table.
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste?
9This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.”
10Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.
11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.
12By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial.
13Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
— Matthew 26:6-13

Related Resources from Heartlight

A Time for Extravagance
Illustration of Matthew 26:6-9 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 26:6-9 NLT -- Jesus was in Bethany. He was at the house of Simon the leper. While Jesus was there, a woman came to him. She had an alabaster jar filled with very expensive perfume. The woman poured this perfume on Jesus' head while Jesus was eating. The followers saw the woman do this and became upset at the woman. The followers asked, "Why waste that perfume? That perfume could be sold for much money and the money could be given to poor people."

Extravagant Because of Grace
Illustration of Matthew 26:10-13 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 26:10-13 NLT -- [The disciples said that the expensive perfume the woman used to anoint Jesus should have been sold and the money given to the poor.] But Jesus, aware of this, replied, "Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be remembered and discussed."