Mark 14:7

The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.

Study Bible

The poor you will always have with you
This phrase echoes Deuteronomy 15:11, where God acknowledges the perpetual presence of poverty in a fallen world. The Greek word for "poor" is "ptōchos," which implies not just a lack of material wealth but also a state of humility and dependence. Historically, the Jewish community was encouraged to care for the poor, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy. This statement by Jesus is not dismissive but rather a recognition of an ongoing reality that requires continuous compassion and action from His followers.

and you can help them whenever you want
The phrase emphasizes the availability and opportunity to serve the poor. The Greek word "dynamai" for "can" suggests ability and power, indicating that believers are empowered to act. The historical context shows that almsgiving was a common practice in Jewish culture, seen as a righteous act. Jesus is reminding His disciples that their commitment to helping the poor should be constant and proactive, reflecting God's love and provision.

But you will not always have Me
Here, Jesus contrasts the temporal nature of His physical presence with the disciples. The Greek word "ou" for "not" is emphatic, underscoring the urgency and importance of the moment. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending crucifixion and ascension. This phrase highlights the unique and irreplaceable opportunity to be in the presence of Christ, urging His followers to prioritize their relationship with Him. Historically, this moment foreshadows the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to the era of the Holy Spirit, where His presence would be experienced differently.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and others present, emphasizing the importance of His presence and mission.

2. Bethany
The location where this event takes place, specifically in the house of Simon the leper. Bethany is a village near Jerusalem, often associated with Jesus' ministry.

3. The Disciples
Jesus' followers who are present during this teaching. They are learning about priorities in serving Jesus and others.

4. The Poor
A group of people Jesus acknowledges will always be present, highlighting the ongoing need for compassion and charity.

5. Simon the Leper's House
The setting of this event, providing a backdrop for Jesus' teaching on priorities and devotion.

Teaching Points

Prioritizing Christ's Presence
Jesus emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing His presence above all else. While serving others is crucial, our relationship with Christ should be our primary focus.

Ongoing Compassion
Jesus acknowledges the constant presence of the poor, reminding us of our responsibility to help those in need. This is a call to continuous acts of charity and kindness.

Balancing Service and Worship
The passage teaches us to balance our acts of service with worship and devotion to Christ. Both are essential aspects of a faithful Christian life.

Temporal vs. Eternal
Jesus' statement highlights the temporary nature of His physical presence on earth compared to the ongoing opportunity to serve the poor, urging us to seize the moment to deepen our relationship with Him.

Understanding True Worship
The context of this passage shows that true worship involves recognizing the worth of Christ and responding with acts of love and devotion.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' statement in Mark 14:7 challenge our understanding of priorities in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we balance our acts of service to others with our devotion to Christ, as seen in this passage?

3. How does the acknowledgment of the poor's perpetual presence influence our approach to charity and social justice?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between serving others and spending time with Christ. How did you make that decision, and what did you learn from it?

5. How can the teachings in Deuteronomy 15:11 and James 1:27 enhance our understanding of Jesus' message in Mark 14:7?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 15:11
This Old Testament verse speaks about the perpetual presence of the poor in the land, encouraging generosity and open-handedness towards them, which Jesus echoes in His teaching.

Matthew 26:11 and John 12:8
Parallel accounts of this event, providing additional context and emphasis on the importance of Jesus' presence.

James 1:27
This verse highlights the importance of caring for those in need, aligning with Jesus' acknowledgment of the poor.