Mark 14:4-5

‘But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, “To what purpose has this waste of the ointment been made. For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they muttered against her.'

The principle of the complaint was sound enough. It indicated concern for the poor, which was considered very important by the Jews, and Jesus reply, having Deuteronomy 15:11 in mind, indicates His recognition of the fact. But what was missing was the spirit of mercy and compassion. Without realising it they were taking on the same hard spirit as the Pharisees. Instead of rejoicing at the woman's love for Jesus, and joining in with it, they saw only the ‘waste'. This incident must not, however, be used to justify general extravagance. This was a one off action on a unique person in special circumstances by a particular kind of woman (Martha loved Jesus but she would have thought twice about this). But it is a reminder that motive is more important than deed.

We note that the detractors did not directly say anything to Jesus. They muttered between themselves. Possibly they realised that He might not agree with them. John suggests that the muttering was started by Judas who saw the money disappearing, as it were, from the common purse, into which he occasionally personally dipped (John 12:6). But others became equally involved in the muttering as well. They did not mind suffering hardship for Jesus, but this waste seemed too much

‘Three hundred denarii.' Ten months wages for a working man. A considerable sum.