Heidi Norton
The anointing of Jesus with perfume is recorded in all four Gospels. The accounts in Matthew, Mark, and John seem to be one, with the woman identified as Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus. This anointing took place two days before Passover in the town of Bethany at Simon the Leper's home. In Luke's account, which is considered a separate story, the woman is unnamed and identified as a sinner. This anointing took place in the home of Simon the Pharisee in Galilee. While the location and timing of the anointing differ, both accounts emphasize the prophetic significance of the event, alluding to Jesus' death and burial.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of times Jesus was anointed with perfume | 2 |
| Number of women who anointed Jesus | 3 |
| Location of the first anointing | Galilee, probably Capernaum, Nain, or Cana |
| Host of the first anointing | Simon the Pharisee |
| Woman who performed the first anointing | Anonymous, referred to as "a sinful woman" |
| Location of the second anointing | Bethany |
| Host of the second anointing | Lazarus, Mary, and Martha |
| Woman who performed the second anointing | Mary of Bethany, sister of Lazarus and Martha |
| Timing of the second anointing | Six days before Passover |
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What You'll Learn
The identity of the woman
The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume has been the subject of much debate and interpretation over the years. While the Gospel of John identifies her as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, the other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) do not provide a clear answer, referring to her simply as "a woman". This has led to various interpretations and theories about her identity.
In the Gospel of John, Mary of Bethany plays a significant role as a devoted follower of Jesus. By anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, she expresses her love, gratitude, and honour towards him. This act is interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus' burial, with Mary's action being remembered wherever the gospel is preached, according to Jesus himself.
On the other hand, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke present anonymous or unnamed women who anoint Jesus. In Matthew and Mark's accounts, the woman is criticised for her wasteful extravagance, but Jesus defends her, alluding to his upcoming death and burial. This anonymous figure has been interpreted by some as a symbol of selfless devotion and love towards Jesus.
Luke's Gospel, however, presents a unique account of a "sinful woman" anointing Jesus' feet with her tears and perfume. This story takes place earlier in Jesus' ministry and carries a different message of forgiveness. While some scholars suggest that this woman may also be Mary of Bethany, others interpret her as a separate individual, possibly a prostitute or someone with a questionable reputation.
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The timing of the event
The timing of Jesus' anointment is a detail that varies across the four Gospel accounts. According to Matthew, Mark, and John, the anointment took place two days before Passover, while Luke and John's accounts place the event six days before Passover.
Matthew, Mark, and John's narratives of the anointment occur near the final week leading up to Jesus' death, with Mark and John specifically noting that the event took place shortly before Jesus' crucifixion. In contrast, Luke's account takes place much earlier in Jesus' ministry, possibly two years before the final Passover. This timing discrepancy suggests that Luke's version may represent a separate incident from the other three Gospels.
The anointment in Matthew, Mark, and John's accounts is set in the city of Bethany, specifically in the home of Simon the Leper. Luke's account, on the other hand, takes place in the northern region, in the home of a Pharisee named Simon. This further supports the idea that there were two distinct anointments, as the settings and characters involved differ significantly.
The timing of the anointment also has theological implications. By anointing Jesus before his crucifixion, the women in the narratives are seen as proclaiming Jesus' coming sacrifice and affirming his identity as the true prophet, High Priest, and king. This act of anointment, therefore, holds profound significance in the Christian tradition, as it foreshadows and prepares Jesus for his impending death and burial.
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The location of the event
The first event, described by Luke, takes place in the home of Simon the Pharisee, who lived in Galilee, possibly in Capernaum, Nain, or Cana, with the latter being the most likely location. This account is considered separate from the other three gospels due to its timing, location, and unique details.
The second event, described by Matthew, Mark, and John, occurs in Bethany, specifically in the home of Simon the Leper, which is a different Simon from the one mentioned by Luke. This event takes place two days before Passover, according to Matthew and Mark, while John's account places it six days prior.
It is worth noting that the woman performing the anointing is identified as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, in John's Gospel. The location of this anointing is associated with Mary's home, suggesting it could be in the same place as the event described by Matthew and Mark.
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The body part anointed
In the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded that Jesus' feet were anointed by a woman who had been sinful all her life. This woman, who is not named, used her tears, as well as perfume, to anoint Jesus' feet and then wiped them with her hair. This account is considered unique to the Gospel of Luke, with some scholars suggesting that it occurred much earlier in Jesus' ministry compared to the other Gospel accounts.
On the other hand, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John present similar accounts of an anointing event that took place in Bethany, at the home of Simon the Leper. In these accounts, an anonymous woman anointed Jesus' head with expensive perfume, poured from an alabaster jar or box.
The Gospel of John identifies the woman as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, and specifies that she anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume. This account in the Gospel of John seems to be set six days before Passover, while the accounts in Matthew and Mark are said to have occurred two days before the same event.
The variation in the body part anointed, as well as other differences in the accounts, can be attributed to the different theological emphases and perspectives of the Gospel writers. These variations do not necessarily contradict each other but rather highlight the significance of the anointing events in different ways.
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The significance of the anointing
The anointing of Jesus is recorded in all four Gospels, with some key differences in the accounts. While Matthew and Mark relate the same event, Luke and John describe different occasions.
The anointing of Jesus by a woman with costly perfume is a significant event in the Gospels, carrying prophetic significance and symbolic meaning. The act symbolises the woman's love, devotion, and gratitude towards Christ, recognising His worth and messianic identity.
Prophetic Significance
The anointing is prophetically linked to Jesus' impending death and burial. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, the woman's action is interpreted as preparing Jesus' body for burial, as he says, "She has done a beautiful thing to me... She did it to prepare me for burial." This foreshadows Jesus' upcoming crucifixion and death.
Symbol of Love and Devotion
The anointing is an extravagant act of worship and a selfless expression of love and devotion towards Jesus. The woman pours out expensive perfume, symbolising her gratitude and recognition of Christ's worth. This act contrasts with the criticism of the disciples, who view it as wasteful. Jesus, however, defends the woman, valuing her act of devotion over material wealth.
Messianic Identity
The anointing also points to Jesus' identity as the Messiah or Messiah-King. In John's Gospel, Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, anoints Jesus' feet, symbolising humility and service. This foreshadows the Last Supper, where Jesus washes the disciples' feet, teaching them sacrificial love and service.
Forgiveness and Grace
In Luke's account, the anointing occurs earlier in Jesus' ministry and carries a different lesson. The sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet demonstrates her love and gratitude, and Jesus uses this occasion to teach a parable about forgiveness and grace.
Kingship and Dedication
The anointing of the head may also symbolise Jesus' kingship, as head anointing in the Old Testament was associated with the dedication of kings. This adds another layer of significance to the act, recognising Jesus' royal and messianic status.
The anointing of Jesus, therefore, holds profound prophetic, symbolic, and theological significance, revealing aspects of His identity, His impending death, and the nature of His ministry and teachings.
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Frequently asked questions
Jesus was anointed with perfume at least twice. The first anointing is recorded in Luke 7:36–50, while the second anointing is recorded in Matthew 26:6–13, Mark 14:3–9, and John 12:1–8.
The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume has been identified as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. In the Gospel of Luke, the woman is described as a "sinful woman" and is not named.
The anointing of Jesus with perfume is seen as a proclamation of his coming sacrifice and death. It also affirms his identity as a true prophet, a High Priest, and a king.
