Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:11 — “The poor you will always have with you” — are often misunderstood. Many take it as a reason to deprioritize helping the poor, but when read in context, it’s clear Jesus was emphasizing the unique moment before His crucifixion, not dismissing compassion. He was referencing Deuteronomy 15:11, which actually commands generosity toward the poor. So rather than an excuse, His statement is a reminder that caring for the poor remains an ongoing, essential responsibility.
At the same time, Jesus was calling attention to the importance of recognizing sacred, time-sensitive moments to honor Him. The woman’s act of worship with costly perfume was more than generous—it was spiritually discerning. This verse challenges you to both serve others and stay sensitive to what God is doing right now. Want to understand how to balance worship and compassion the way Jesus intended? Keep reading for a deeper dive into the full meaning and practical application of this powerful verse.
One of the most quoted — and misunderstood — statements Jesus ever made is found in Matthew 26:11:
“The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.”
On the surface, this sounds like Jesus is dismissing the needs of the poor. But that’s not what He meant. If you’ve heard this verse used to justify ignoring poverty or social responsibility, it’s time to look closer.
Let’s unpack what Jesus actually meant, what the context was, and how this verse applies to you today.
1. What’s the Context? (Matthew 26)
First, the setting matters.
This moment takes place just before Jesus’ crucifixion. He’s in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper. A woman comes in with an expensive alabaster jar of perfume and pours it on Jesus’ head. The disciples get upset — especially Judas (see John 12:4-6) — saying the perfume should’ve been sold and the money given to the poor.
Here’s Jesus’ response (Matthew 26:10–11):
“Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.”
He’s not saying poor people don’t matter. He’s saying something deeper — and urgent.
2. Jesus Was Quoting Scripture (Deuteronomy 15:11)
What many miss is that Jesus was actually referencing Deuteronomy 15:11, which says:
“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”
So when Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you,” He was pointing His Jewish audience back to a well-known law. And that law isn’t about ignoring the poor. It’s about caring for them generously.
Jesus wasn’t dismissing poverty. He was reminding people of their ongoing duty to the poor.
3. So Why Say It Then? What Was the Point?
Here’s the key: Timing.
Jesus was only days away from the cross. He wanted His disciples to recognize the significance of the moment. This wasn’t about economics — it was about recognizing who Jesus is.
In John’s version of the story, Jesus adds:
“It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” (John 12:7)
The woman wasn’t wasting money — she was honoring Jesus before His death. She saw what others missed.
Jesus’ point was this: “There will always be opportunities to help the poor. But you won’t always have me here physically. Don’t miss this moment.”
4. Was Jesus Against Helping the Poor? Not At All
Let’s be clear: Jesus deeply cared for the poor.
Just a few examples:
- He told the rich young ruler:
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21)
- He praised those who gave to the poor in secret:
“When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:3)
- His mission included:
“Good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18)
Jesus wasn’t minimizing poverty — He was highlighting a spiritual moment that couldn’t be repeated. The woman’s act of devotion was more important in that unique moment than the disciples’ financial logic.
5. What This Verse Doesn’t Mean
Let’s debunk a few misuses of Matthew 26:11.
❌ It doesn’t mean:
- We shouldn’t help the poor
- Poverty is acceptable or inevitable
- Helping Jesus is always more important than helping others
Some use this verse to excuse inaction or indifference toward the poor. That’s not biblical. If anything, Jesus’ words assume you’ll continue caring for the poor.
6. What This Verse Does Mean
✅ It reminds you that:
- There are moments when honoring Jesus takes unique priority
- Spiritual sensitivity matters — the woman saw something the disciples didn’t
- Poverty is a long-term issue that still requires your attention
You’ll always have opportunities to help those in need. But don’t miss the moments when God calls you to act in ways that aren’t always practical — but are spiritually significant.
7. How Should You Respond Today?
If you want to apply this verse rightly, here’s what it means for you:
1. Care for the Poor
- Be generous, consistent, and openhanded
- Don’t use this verse to justify apathy
- Remember: caring for the poor is biblical obedience
2. Recognize Sacred Moments
- Not everything can be measured in dollars
- Sometimes the most “wasteful” acts — like extravagant worship — are the most meaningful
3. Honor Jesus in the Present
- Jesus isn’t physically here like in Matthew 26, but His presence still demands priority
- Don’t let your busyness, even in doing good, blind you to Him
8. Final Thoughts: What Jesus Really Meant
Jesus wasn’t downplaying the importance of the poor. He was elevating the significance of His presence.
When He said, “The poor you will always have with you,” He was saying:
“You’ll always have the opportunity to serve others. But right now, don’t miss what matters most.”
It’s a call to live with discernment, to balance compassion with worship, and to never assume that logic should always overrule spiritual insight.
Quick Summary
| Key Point | Takeaway |
| Context | Jesus was being anointed before His death |
| Quoted Scripture | Deuteronomy 15:11 — a call to be generous to the poor |
| Main Message | Don’t miss sacred moments with Jesus |
| Not an Excuse | This isn’t permission to ignore poverty |
| Application | Serve the poor and honor Jesus wholeheartedly |
Final Encouragement
You’re not meant to choose between worshiping Jesus and helping the poor. You’re called to do both. One without the other misses the heart of the Gospel.
Next time you hear someone quote “The poor you will always have with you,” you’ll know better. Now you can explain it clearly — and live it faithfully.
FAQs: Understanding Jesus’ Words: “The Poor You Will Always Have With You” (Matthew 26:11)
1. What does Jesus mean by “The poor you will always have with you”?
Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 15:11 to remind His disciples that poverty will always exist, but His physical presence was temporary. He wasn’t dismissing the poor, but emphasizing the urgency of the moment before His crucifixion.
2. Is Jesus saying we shouldn’t help the poor?
No. Jesus repeatedly taught the importance of caring for the poor. This statement acknowledges ongoing responsibility toward the poor, not an excuse to ignore their needs.
3. Why did Jesus say this during the woman’s act of anointing Him?
Jesus was highlighting that this act of worship was uniquely significant because His death was near. He wanted His disciples to recognize the spiritual importance of the moment.
4. How does this verse relate to Deuteronomy 15:11?
Deuteronomy 15:11 says there will always be poor people, and God commands generosity toward them. Jesus referenced this to remind His followers of their continual duty to help the poor.
5. Does this verse mean poverty is acceptable or permanent?
No. While poverty exists, Scripture calls for ongoing care and efforts to help the poor. Jesus’ words do not justify ignoring or accepting poverty as unchangeable.
6. How should I apply this verse in my life today?
You should balance consistent compassion for the poor with recognizing when God calls you to prioritize worship or other spiritual moments. Both are important.
7. What was the woman doing by pouring perfume on Jesus?
She was honoring Jesus in a costly, sacrificial way, preparing Him for His upcoming death. Her act showed deep devotion, not wastefulness.
8. Can this verse be used to justify ignoring social justice?
No, it should not. Jesus’ message assumes you will keep helping the poor. Ignoring social justice contradicts His teaching.
9. How does this verse teach about priorities?
It teaches that while caring for others is essential, there are moments when honoring Jesus takes a unique priority — especially in spiritual matters.
10. Where else does Jesus emphasize helping the poor?
Jesus emphasizes helping the poor in many places, such as in Matthew 19:21, Luke 4:18, and the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46).
