Tune: Winchester New
(\'Ride on, ride on in majesty\')
Matthew 26 v.6-13
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Jesus was in town Bethany
Stayed at Simon\'s house, leper he
Then came to him a woman, she
Had alabaster box, so be
It was very precious ointment
Of great expense, with scent fragrant
She poured it out on Jesus\' head
As he with the others there fed
Disciples had indignation
Why this waste? Of what purpose done
Is this? For it might have been sold
For much*, then help poor many-fold
Jesus said, Why do you trouble
The woman? For a good work all
She has done to me, the poor you
Have always, but not me, \'tis true
For she had anointed me for
My burial to follow sure
Truly where\'er this gospel preached
So too her deed told, earth\'s ends reached
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* Another of the Gospels says that the ointment could have been sold for over 300 pence - one \'pence\' or one denarii being one day\'s wages, so \'about 10 months pay\'.
Also, another of the Gospels says \'The poor you have with you always, and whenever you may, you may do them good; but me (Jesus) you have not always\'. In this case, this great one-off expense could be justified.