The woman in Bethany anointed Jesus with costly perfume, revealing both her devotion to Christ and His imminent sacrifice, as Jesus affirmed her actions and declared her remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. (v. 3) This event takes place in Bethany, a small village about two miles east of Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives. At this point in history, likely around AD 30, Jesus has entered the final days of His earthly ministry. Bethany had become a frequent area of ministry and fellowship for Jesus, and the home of Simon the leper suggests that Simon may have once suffered from leprosy, possibly healed by Jesus.
The woman approaches Jesus with an alabaster vial containing expensive perfume made of pure nard, a substance often imported from remote regions in the Himalayas. The alabaster vial would have been sealed to preserve the perfume’s fragrance, and breaking it was an act of total devotion, giving its entire contents to anoint Jesus. In the culture of that day, anointing with costly perfume showed profound honor and reverence. Her extravagant display of love underscores her recognition that Jesus was worthy of such a precious gift.
Spiritually, this moment highlights a heart of worship focused on Christ rather than on social expectations or material calculations. Similar events of anointing appear in the other Gospels (see John 12:1-8John 12:1-8 commentary), reminding us how acts of devotion to Jesus can take many forms, but each demonstrates reverence for His divine mission.
But some were indignantly remarking to one another, Why has this perfume been wasted? (v. 4) The onlookers witnessing this lavish anointing were not all pleased. They viewed the use of such an expensive perfume on Jesus as a form of waste. Their reaction reveals values shaped more by outward efficiency than by humble worship.
Rather than praising the woman for her great act of generosity, they took offense. At first glance, it might appear practical to question the use of such costly perfume in a single moment, but their indignant tone overlooks the significance of honoring the Son of God in preparation for His impending sacrifice. It underscores how easily hearts can miss the deeper spiritual meaning of an action by focusing solely on material cost.
This response also shows that even those around Jesus can misunderstand His worth. The expense of the perfume was enormous, yet the woman grasped the necessity of giving her very best for Christ. Her heart of devotion contrasts sharply against the complaints of those who question her actions.
For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor. And they were scolding her. (v. 5) A denarius in the first-century context represented a day’s wage for a common laborer. Three hundred denarii, essentially the income of nearly a year, was a staggering sum. The complaint that the money could have been spent on the poor might sound valid, yet it overlooked the deeper meaning behind the woman’s action.
The fact that they scolded her shows how social pressure can diminish holy acts of worship. Their reprimand indicates a mindset prioritizing earthly service over an act of love that honored the Lord personally. Caring for the poor is a virtuous practice, often commanded throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 15:11Deuteronomy 15:11 commentary); however, the presence of Jesus Himself warranted a unique response.
While the poor are close to God’s heart, this verse invites a reflection on balance. Giving to the needy is important, but revering Jesus as the Messiah—especially in these final moments before His suffering—carries special significance. The woman’s deed recognizes Christ’s redemptive mission, and that recognition itself is an act of deep faith.
But Jesus said, Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. (v. 6) Jesus immediately defends the woman, casting aside criticism from those who fail to see the depth of her sacrifice. This statement affirms that her profound gesture of devotion was neither misguided nor wasteful. Instead, He calls it a good deed, honoring her commitment and rebuking those who chastise her.
By telling others to leave her alone, Jesus underscores His approval of her heartfelt worship. Through the centuries, believers have taken comfort that Jesus sees genuine acts of love and devotion, even when others misunderstand or criticize. Ultimately, it is His approval that matters, for He alone is the Lord and judges according to true motives.
This rebuke also reflects Jesus’ tender compassion for those who humbly serve Him. Likewise, He shows His authority to defend acts of righteousness, revealing His position as the One who rightly discerns the heart. In proclaiming her deed good, He establishes that intentional, costly worship is precious in the sight of God.
For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. (v. 7) Jesus addresses their objection about helping the poor by putting it into perspective. Certainly, believers have a continual responsibility to care for those in need, as the poor will be present throughout every generation. Jesus’ words do not devalue altruism; rather, they emphasize the uniqueness of the moment in which they find themselves.
The phrase you do not always have Me is a reference to the impending crucifixion and subsequent departure of Jesus from the world in His physical form. This moment in Bethany was part of the final window of opportunity to do something physically tangible for Jesus before His arrest and death. The sense of urgency suggests that the time leading up to His sacrifice should be treasured.
This verse simultaneously stirs believers to maintain compassion for the impoverished while acknowledging the uniqueness of Christ’s incarnate presence. Whenever we help the poor, we reflect God’s heart, but this extraordinary historical moment required a profound display of adoration for Jesus, acknowledging that He was about to lay down His life.
She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. (v. 8) Jesus clarifies the prophetic significance of the woman’s actions. Anointing for burial was a common practice in that time, often involving spices and perfumes. Ordinarily, one would anoint a body after death. Here, the woman’s anointing prefigures the burial Jesus would soon undergo after His crucifixion.
Her act is God-ordained preparation for events that would shake the world. Jesus’ mention of burial points to the solemn truth that He would soon be put to death on the cross. The woman may not have fully understood the details, but her act was in harmony with God’s plan, a final testimony that Christ would willingly lay down His life as a sacrifice for sin.
The phrase she has done what she could suggests the completeness of her devotion. There was nothing left for her to withhold; she seized a fleeting moment, pouring out all she had in honor of the Lord. Believers may draw inspiration from this boldness to give their best, trusting that God sees and blesses such heartfelt worship.
Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her. (v. 9) Jesus concludes by proclaiming a powerful endorsement of this woman’s act. Her story, tied to the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, has indeed echoed through every generation and across every culture where the gospel is proclaimed.
This statement is remarkable for its scope—wherever the gospel is preached encompasses the entire globe. It confirms that her offering was so intimately linked to Jesus’ saving work that her example of devotion would never be lost. The fact that readers still reflect on her act nearly two millennia later confirms the truth of Jesus’ words.
In essence, her love and reverence for Christ created a lasting testimony of worship. The faith-filled generosity she displayed underscores the degree to which believers are called to belong to Jesus wholeheartedly. It foreshadows the depth of love and commitment that all who follow Christ would show as they proclaim His death and resurrection to the world.
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Mark 14:3-9 meaning
While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. (v. 3) This event takes place in Bethany, a small village about two miles east of Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives. At this point in history, likely around AD 30, Jesus has entered the final days of His earthly ministry. Bethany had become a frequent area of ministry and fellowship for Jesus, and the home of Simon the leper suggests that Simon may have once suffered from leprosy, possibly healed by Jesus.
The woman approaches Jesus with an alabaster vial containing expensive perfume made of pure nard, a substance often imported from remote regions in the Himalayas. The alabaster vial would have been sealed to preserve the perfume’s fragrance, and breaking it was an act of total devotion, giving its entire contents to anoint Jesus. In the culture of that day, anointing with costly perfume showed profound honor and reverence. Her extravagant display of love underscores her recognition that Jesus was worthy of such a precious gift.
Spiritually, this moment highlights a heart of worship focused on Christ rather than on social expectations or material calculations. Similar events of anointing appear in the other Gospels (see John 12:1-8John 12:1-8 commentary), reminding us how acts of devotion to Jesus can take many forms, but each demonstrates reverence for His divine mission.
But some were indignantly remarking to one another, Why has this perfume been wasted? (v. 4) The onlookers witnessing this lavish anointing were not all pleased. They viewed the use of such an expensive perfume on Jesus as a form of waste. Their reaction reveals values shaped more by outward efficiency than by humble worship.
Rather than praising the woman for her great act of generosity, they took offense. At first glance, it might appear practical to question the use of such costly perfume in a single moment, but their indignant tone overlooks the significance of honoring the Son of God in preparation for His impending sacrifice. It underscores how easily hearts can miss the deeper spiritual meaning of an action by focusing solely on material cost.
This response also shows that even those around Jesus can misunderstand His worth. The expense of the perfume was enormous, yet the woman grasped the necessity of giving her very best for Christ. Her heart of devotion contrasts sharply against the complaints of those who question her actions.
For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor. And they were scolding her. (v. 5) A denarius in the first-century context represented a day’s wage for a common laborer. Three hundred denarii, essentially the income of nearly a year, was a staggering sum. The complaint that the money could have been spent on the poor might sound valid, yet it overlooked the deeper meaning behind the woman’s action.
The fact that they scolded her shows how social pressure can diminish holy acts of worship. Their reprimand indicates a mindset prioritizing earthly service over an act of love that honored the Lord personally. Caring for the poor is a virtuous practice, often commanded throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 15:11Deuteronomy 15:11 commentary); however, the presence of Jesus Himself warranted a unique response.
While the poor are close to God’s heart, this verse invites a reflection on balance. Giving to the needy is important, but revering Jesus as the Messiah—especially in these final moments before His suffering—carries special significance. The woman’s deed recognizes Christ’s redemptive mission, and that recognition itself is an act of deep faith.
But Jesus said, Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. (v. 6) Jesus immediately defends the woman, casting aside criticism from those who fail to see the depth of her sacrifice. This statement affirms that her profound gesture of devotion was neither misguided nor wasteful. Instead, He calls it a good deed, honoring her commitment and rebuking those who chastise her.
By telling others to leave her alone, Jesus underscores His approval of her heartfelt worship. Through the centuries, believers have taken comfort that Jesus sees genuine acts of love and devotion, even when others misunderstand or criticize. Ultimately, it is His approval that matters, for He alone is the Lord and judges according to true motives.
This rebuke also reflects Jesus’ tender compassion for those who humbly serve Him. Likewise, He shows His authority to defend acts of righteousness, revealing His position as the One who rightly discerns the heart. In proclaiming her deed good, He establishes that intentional, costly worship is precious in the sight of God.
For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. (v. 7) Jesus addresses their objection about helping the poor by putting it into perspective. Certainly, believers have a continual responsibility to care for those in need, as the poor will be present throughout every generation. Jesus’ words do not devalue altruism; rather, they emphasize the uniqueness of the moment in which they find themselves.
The phrase you do not always have Me is a reference to the impending crucifixion and subsequent departure of Jesus from the world in His physical form. This moment in Bethany was part of the final window of opportunity to do something physically tangible for Jesus before His arrest and death. The sense of urgency suggests that the time leading up to His sacrifice should be treasured.
This verse simultaneously stirs believers to maintain compassion for the impoverished while acknowledging the uniqueness of Christ’s incarnate presence. Whenever we help the poor, we reflect God’s heart, but this extraordinary historical moment required a profound display of adoration for Jesus, acknowledging that He was about to lay down His life.
She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. (v. 8) Jesus clarifies the prophetic significance of the woman’s actions. Anointing for burial was a common practice in that time, often involving spices and perfumes. Ordinarily, one would anoint a body after death. Here, the woman’s anointing prefigures the burial Jesus would soon undergo after His crucifixion.
Her act is God-ordained preparation for events that would shake the world. Jesus’ mention of burial points to the solemn truth that He would soon be put to death on the cross. The woman may not have fully understood the details, but her act was in harmony with God’s plan, a final testimony that Christ would willingly lay down His life as a sacrifice for sin.
The phrase she has done what she could suggests the completeness of her devotion. There was nothing left for her to withhold; she seized a fleeting moment, pouring out all she had in honor of the Lord. Believers may draw inspiration from this boldness to give their best, trusting that God sees and blesses such heartfelt worship.
Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her. (v. 9) Jesus concludes by proclaiming a powerful endorsement of this woman’s act. Her story, tied to the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, has indeed echoed through every generation and across every culture where the gospel is proclaimed.
This statement is remarkable for its scope—wherever the gospel is preached encompasses the entire globe. It confirms that her offering was so intimately linked to Jesus’ saving work that her example of devotion would never be lost. The fact that readers still reflect on her act nearly two millennia later confirms the truth of Jesus’ words.
In essence, her love and reverence for Christ created a lasting testimony of worship. The faith-filled generosity she displayed underscores the degree to which believers are called to belong to Jesus wholeheartedly. It foreshadows the depth of love and commitment that all who follow Christ would show as they proclaim His death and resurrection to the world.