Jesus asked this to stop the criticism and to protect the woman. She had done nothing wrong, yet she was being scolded for her love. His question exposes that they were troubling someone who did not deserve it. Gill paraphrases "Let her alone" as "cease to chide and reprove her for what she has done." Then Jesus states the truth they had missed: "she hath wrought a good work on me." Gill explains that she had "expressed faith in me, and shown love to me."

The critics do not reply. Jesus continues His defense: they will always have the poor and can do them good whenever they wish, "but me ye have not always" (Mark 14:7). "She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying" (Mark 14:8). Her deed would be "spoken of for a memorial of her" wherever the gospel is preached (Mark 14:9). The next verse tells us that "Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him" (Mark 14:10).

Jesus spoke these words two days before the Passover, while the chief priests and scribes were seeking "how they might take him by craft, and put him to death" (Mark 14:1). That is why He could say she came "aforehand," or beforehand, to anoint His body for burial (Mark 14:8). Commenting on "She hath done what she could" (Mark 14:8), Barnes says she "showed the highest attachment in her power," and that because it was done for the honour of Christ there was no real waste. The ESV renders "a good work" as "a beautiful thing."

Jesus' question shows His heart for those who love Him. He does not let the woman stand alone under criticism. He takes her side, names her act as good, and promises that the whole world will hear of it. Matthew Henry notes that Jesus "commended this woman's pious attention to the notice of believers in all ages."

The question also shows that Jesus knew exactly where He was going. While others counted the price of the ointment, He spoke of His burial (Mark 14:8). Her gift fit the hour. Matthew Henry sums it up: "Those who honour Christ he will honour."