3
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, 1 a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.
4
Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked.
5
“It could have been sold for a year’s wages 2 and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
6
But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me?
7
You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.
8
She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.
9
I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”