Lance Carson
The anointing of Jesus is an event recorded in the four Gospels of the Bible. While the woman who anoints Jesus is not named in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the Gospel of John identifies her as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Mary pours perfume on Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair. This act has been interpreted as a gesture of devotion and an expression of her esteem for Jesus.
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What You'll Learn
- Mary of Bethany is identified as the woman who poured perfume on Jesus in the Gospel of John
- The woman is unnamed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke
- Judas Iscariot, who later betrays Jesus, objects to the use of expensive perfume
- Jesus rebukes Judas, saying that Mary was preparing him for his burial
- The anointing of Jesus's feet points to his identity as Messiah-King and Servant-King
Mary of Bethany is identified as the woman who poured perfume on Jesus in the Gospel of John
Mary of Bethany is identified as the woman who anointed Jesus with perfume in the Gospel of John. John 11:1–2 establishes her as the sister of Martha and Lazarus. In John 11:32, when she encounters Jesus, she falls at his feet and says, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
In John 12:3, Mary pours perfume on Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair. This act of humility has special significance, as it foreshadows Jesus' actions at the Last Supper when he washes the disciples' feet, teaching them to love one another through humble service. Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray Jesus, objects to Mary's act, questioning why the expensive perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus defends Mary, stating that they will always have the poor among them but that he will not always be with them. He further justifies Mary's action as an expression of her esteem, saying that she saved the perfume for his burial.
John's gospel identifies Mary of Bethany as the same woman who anoints Jesus' head in Matthew and Mark's gospels, except that in John, she anoints his feet. This narrative of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus plays a central role in the Gospel of John, highlighting her devotion and sensitivity to Christ's impending death.
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The woman is unnamed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke
The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume is unnamed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In these accounts, she is referred to simply as "a woman" or "a sinful woman".
In Matthew and Mark, the woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume. The location of the event is given as Bethany, specifically the home of Simon the Leper. The Gospel of Matthew describes the disciples as being indignant about the waste of expensive perfume, while Mark enumerates the cost as 300 denarii, or a year's wages, and states that some onlookers were angered.
In Luke, the woman anoints Jesus' feet and dries them with her hair. This event takes place in the northern region, as Luke indicates that Jesus had been ministering in Nain and Capernaum. Here, Jesus connects the woman's action with her sins and his forgiveness of them, as well as the lack of hospitality of his host.
Only in the Gospel of John is the woman identified by name as Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus. This Mary is the same one who appears in connection with the raising of Lazarus from the dead. In John's account, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and dries them with her hair. Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray Jesus, objects to the waste of the perfume, but Jesus defends Mary, saying that she has saved the perfume for the day of his burial.
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Judas Iscariot, who later betrays Jesus, objects to the use of expensive perfume
Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is identified as the woman who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume in the Gospel of John. This incident takes place six days before Passover in the village of Bethany, at a dinner hosted in Jesus' honour. Martha serves while Lazarus reclines at the table with Jesus. Mary pours the entire contents of an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard, over Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair.
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples who later betrays him, objects to this act, asking why the perfume wasn't sold and the money given to the poor. According to the narrator, Judas' objection stems from his greed as a thief and his desire for the money himself, rather than concern for the poor.
Jesus rebukes Judas and defends Mary's action, stating that they will always have opportunities to help the poor, but his time with them is limited. He explains that Mary's anointing prepares him for his impending burial. He further emphasises the significance of her act, saying that wherever the gospel is preached, her deed will also be remembered.
This event is also described in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, where the woman remains unnamed, and in Luke, where she is referred to as "a sinful woman." The accounts differ in the details, such as the place of anointment and the specific words spoken, but they all convey a similar central message.
The anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany, and the subsequent objection by Judas Iscariot, hold symbolic significance in the Christian narrative. Mary's act foreshadows Jesus' burial and underscores her devotion to him. In contrast, Judas' objection highlights his selfish motives and sets the stage for his betrayal of Jesus.
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Jesus rebukes Judas, saying that Mary was preparing him for his burial
The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume is identified as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, in the Gospel of John. In John 12, six days before the Passover, Jesus is in Bethany attending a dinner held in his honour. Mary anoints Jesus' feet with a costly perfume and wipes them with her hair.
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, objects to this act, asking why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. In response, Jesus rebukes Judas, telling him to leave Mary alone. He says that Mary was saving the perfume for his burial and that while the poor will always be with them, he will not always be with them.
This passage is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with slight variations in the details. Matthew and Mark do not name the woman, while Luke tells of a different anonymous woman on an earlier occasion. John is the only Gospel that identifies the woman as Mary of Bethany.
The anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it points to Christ's identity as both Messiah-King and Servant-King. Secondly, it foreshadows Jesus' actions at the Last Supper when he washes the disciples' feet, teaching them about humble service. Thirdly, it highlights Mary's devotion and gratitude towards Jesus, as she is the only one sensitive to his impending death. Finally, it demonstrates the contrast between Mary's love for Jesus and Judas' love for money, as Judas is revealed to be a thief who desired the money for himself.
In conclusion, the story of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus' feet with costly perfume and being rebuked by Judas is a powerful narrative that showcases Mary's devotion, gratitude, and wonder towards Jesus, while also revealing the true nature of Judas' heart and his betrayal of Jesus.
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The anointing of Jesus's feet points to his identity as Messiah-King and Servant-King
Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus, is identified as the woman who anointed Jesus's feet with costly perfume in the Gospel of John. In John 12:3, it is written, "Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair." This act of anointing holds significant meaning and points to Jesus' identity as both the Messiah-King and the Servant-King.
The anointing of Jesus' feet by Mary of Bethany is a powerful symbol that underscores Jesus' role as the Messiah or the "Anointed One." In biblical times, anointing with oil was a practice used to set apart and sanctify individuals chosen for a special purpose, whether powerful rulers or holy persons. By anointing Jesus' feet, Mary recognizes and affirms His messianic identity and His role as the King of heaven.
Additionally, the anointing of Jesus' feet also foreshadows His imminent death and burial. In John 12:7, Jesus Himself interprets Mary's action as an act of preparation for His burial: "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial." This interpretation adds a deeper layer of significance to the anointing, as it becomes a prophetic act that acknowledges Jesus' impending sacrifice.
Moreover, the act of anointing Jesus' feet also points to His identity as the Servant-King. In John 13, during the Last Supper, Jesus washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating sacrificial and humble service. By anointing Jesus' feet, Mary foreshadows this pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He surrenders His power for the sake of love and teaches His disciples about the nature of true service.
The anointing of Jesus' feet by Mary of Bethany is thus a profound act that not only affirms His messianic identity but also highlights His dual nature as both a king and a servant. It is a testament to Mary's sensitivity to Jesus' impending death and her expression of devotion and gratitude toward Him. This event, recorded in the Gospel of John, continues to hold significant meaning and value for Christians today.
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Frequently asked questions
Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
The Gospel of John states that Mary poured the perfume on Jesus' feet. However, the Gospel of Matthew states that it was poured on his head.
This took place in Bethany, in the house of Simon the Leper.
Mary anointed Jesus in preparation for his burial.
Jesus defended Mary's action, stating that they would always have the poor among them and would be able to help them whenever they desired, but that he would not always be with them.
