3While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.
4Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume?
5It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
6But Jesus said, “Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.
7The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.
8She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial.
9And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”