Why Did Jesus Defend Her Extravagant Gift? (Matthew 26:6-13)

In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on Matthew 26:6–13 (from The Message), where a woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus and is criticized by the disciples. From a progressive Christian perspective, he explores how this story challenges our assumptions about practicality, justice, and devotion—showing how “useful” language can sometimes be weaponized to police others’ genuine expressions of love, especially women. Dr. Brad emphasizes that Jesus’ words about “the poor always with you” are often misused, and instead point back to radical generosity and seizing sacred, once-in-a-lifetime moments of love. He connects the passage to everyday life through personal stories about trips with his wife and playful moments with his granddaughters, urging listeners to choose extravagant, impractical acts of love over cold efficiency. The episode concludes with a clear action step toward lavish love, an invitation to explore the ABC 123 Bible Study Method at VoiceOfGodDaily.com, and a closing prayer about courageously pouring out love while we still have the chance.Key TakeawaysExtravagant love is holy, not wasteful – The woman’s costly perfume is defended by Jesus as a “wonderfully significant” act, challenging the idea that only practical or efficient actions are valuable.“Justice talk” can be misused – The disciples’ concern for the poor, though good in itself, becomes a weapon to criticize and control someone else’s sincere devotion, especially a woman’s.Jesus is not dismissing the poor – His phrase “you will have the poor with you” echoes Deuteronomy’s call to ongoing generosity, not an excuse to ignore poverty.Some moments never come twice – Like the woman anointing Jesus for burial, or taking trips with loved ones and sharing simple joys (ice cream, feeding ducks), there are sacred, unrepeatable opportunities to show love that efficiency should not steal.Choose lavish, impractical love – Listeners are invited to stop “rationing” affection and instead offer a bold, generous act of love—whether a gift, money, time, or heartfelt words—without talking themselves out of it with practical-sounding objections.A guided spiritual practice is available – The episode points to the ABC 123 Bible Study Method at VoiceOfGodDaily.com as a free resource to deepen personal engagement with Scripture.Links referenced in this episode:voiceofgoddaily.comThe "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your lifeApplicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the readingA recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.A prayer for your day.A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)