Mark 14:7
For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
Cross-references
Deuteronomy 15:11 is the scripture Jesus quotes — it commands ongoing care for the poor, which he acknowledges while prioritizing his own presence.
Matthew 26:11 is the parallel saying — identical words in the same event, reinforcing the priority of devotion over ongoing care for the poor.
John 12:7 gives the burial purpose for the anointing — explaining why Jesus defends the woman, complementing his statement here about his imminent departure.
In John 13:33, Jesus says he will be with them only a little while, directly paralleling the 'not always have me' in Mark.
In Leviticus 25:35, the law commands helping a poor brother — grounding Jesus' statement about always having the poor in OT mandate to assist them.
Psalm 41:1 promises blessing to those who consider the poor — reinforcing Jesus' permission to do good to them whenever.
Psalm 112:9 praises those who give to the poor — aligning with Jesus' encouragement to do good at any time.
Proverbs 31:20 describes caring for the poor as virtuous — directly supporting Jesus' call to do good to them.
James 2:15 shows the kind of practical help Jesus referred to — if a believer lacks food and clothing, the community must act, not just speak.