John 12:8

“For the poor always ye have with you, etc.] And so would not want opportunities of showing a regard to them, which Christ always recommended; nor does he here in the least discourage an industrious and affectionate concern for them: the words seem to be a sort of prophecy, that there would be always poor persons in the churches of Christ, to be taken care of and provided for; (see Gill on “<402611>Matthew 26:11”); and yet the Jews suppose cases, in which the collectors of alms may have no poor to distribute to, and direct what they shall do in such cases f542: but me ye have not always; meaning, with respect to his corporeal presence, which would be quickly withdrawn from them, when there…”

“the poor always . . . with you--referring to Deu 15:11. but me . . . not always--a gentle hint of His approaching departure. He adds (Mar 14:8), "She hath done what she could," a noble testimony, embodying a principle of immense importance. "Verily, I say unto you, Wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her" (Mat 26:13; Mar 14:9). "In the act of love done to Him she had erected to herself an eternal monument, as lasting as the Gospel, the eternal word of God. From generation to generation this remarkable prophecy of the Lord has been fulfilled; and even we, in explaining this saying of the…”

“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 26:3-16. John 12:2 A supper - At the house of Simon the leper, Matthew 26:6. Lazarus was ... - The names of Martha and Lazarus are mentioned because it was not in their own house, but in that of Simon. Lazarus is particularly mentioned, since it was so remarkable that one who had been once dead should be enjoying again the endearments of friendship. This shows, also, that his resurrection was no illusion - that he was really restored to the blessings of life and friendship. Calmet thinks that this was about two months after his resurrection, and it is the last that we hear of him. How long he lived is unknown, nor is it recorded that he made…”

“12:8 Jesus would never neglect the poor, but this opportunity to serve him was unparalleled.”

“the poor: Deu 15:11; Mat 26:11; Mar 14:7 but: Joh 12:35, Joh 8:21, Joh 13:33, Joh 16:5-7; Sol 5:6; Act 1:9-11 John 12:9”