Matthew 26:13 – “Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus honors the woman who anointed Him with expensive perfume, declaring that her act of devotion will be remembered and shared wherever the Gospel is preached. Her seemingly simple act is elevated to eternal significance, as Jesus ties it to the global spread of His message.
This is a remarkable statement because it shows that Jesus saw her act as more than an isolated moment. It symbolized the kind of wholehearted love and worship that should characterize the response to the Gospel. Her story becomes a testimony to the kind of devotion Jesus values—faithful, selfless, and sacrificial.
Historical Context
During Jesus’ time, women were often marginalized and their contributions overlooked. For Jesus to highlight the actions of this woman and proclaim their enduring significance was countercultural and revolutionary.
The context of this statement is also crucial. It takes place just days before Jesus’ crucifixion, during a meal at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany. The woman’s act of anointing Him with costly perfume is a prophetic preparation for His burial. Jesus’ declaration ensures that her actions will not be forgotten, tying them to His redemptive mission.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the eternal value of acts of love and worship offered to Jesus. It shows that Jesus not only notices our devotion but also honors it in ways that surpass human expectations. The statement also connects the woman’s act to the Gospel itself, emphasizing that the message of salvation through Jesus includes a call to worship and honor Him wholeheartedly.
Furthermore, this verse highlights the universal scope of the Gospel. Jesus speaks of a time when His message will be preached “throughout the world,” pointing to the global mission of His followers. The inclusion of the woman’s story in this mission demonstrates that the Gospel transforms and elevates those society often overlooks.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “wherever this gospel is preached” connects the woman’s act to the broader narrative of Jesus’ mission. By using the word “gospel,” Jesus ties her story to the good news of His life, death, and resurrection. The contrast between the disciples’ initial criticism of her actions and Jesus’ praise further emphasizes the importance of seeing things from a spiritual perspective rather than a worldly one.
The phrase “in memory of her” ensures that her story becomes part of the Gospel message. This highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ mission, as even small acts of faith are woven into the larger story of redemption.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Mark 14:9: Mark’s Gospel includes the same statement, affirming the enduring significance of the woman’s actions.
- John 12:3-8: John provides additional details about the anointing, emphasizing the personal devotion of Mary of Bethany.
- Matthew 24:14: Jesus speaks of the Gospel being preached throughout the world, echoing His words in this verse.
- Luke 21:1-4: The story of the widow’s offering, where Jesus commends a small act of faith that carries great spiritual significance.
- Acts 1:8: Jesus commissions His disciples to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that no act of worship or devotion to Jesus is ever insignificant. It challenges us to evaluate our priorities and consider how we can honor Jesus with our lives. The woman’s act of love was costly and misunderstood by others, but Jesus valued it and ensured its eternal legacy.
This verse also reminds us of the global nature of the Gospel. As followers of Jesus, we are called to share His message of salvation with the world. The inclusion of the woman’s story in this mission highlights the importance of living a life that reflects the love and devotion we have for Jesus.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how Jesus acknowledges and honors the woman’s act of devotion. Her story reminds us that God sees and values our love for Him, even when others overlook or criticize it. This verse also reflects God’s inclusive love, as He elevates the actions of someone society might have dismissed, weaving her story into the eternal message of the Gospel.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse ties the woman’s act of anointing directly to Jesus’ mission and the Gospel. Her act points to His upcoming death and burial, highlighting the sacrifice He was about to make for humanity’s salvation. By ensuring her story is told wherever the Gospel is preached, Jesus shows that her devotion mirrors the kind of response He seeks from all who hear His message.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to worship and honor Jesus in your daily life?
- What does the woman’s story teach you about the value Jesus places on acts of devotion?
- Are there ways in which you can offer your best to Jesus, even if others don’t understand or approve?
- How does this verse encourage you to participate in sharing the Gospel with the world?
- What steps can you take to ensure your life reflects the love and worship that Jesus deserves?