3
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
4
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?
5
It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages[a] and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
6
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
7
The poor you will always have with you,[b]and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.
8
She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.