Why did the woman choose to anoint Jesus with expensive perfume in Matthew 26:7? Passage Context “While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He was reclining at the table” (Matthew 26:6-7). Within hours Jesus will enter Gethsemane, be betrayed, tried, scourged, and crucified. Matthew purposely situates the anointing between the plot to kill Jesus (26:3-5) and Judas’ betrayal (26:14-16) to show that, while hostile forces move against Him, an act of extravagant love anticipates the cross. Identity of the Woman Matthew leaves her unnamed; Mark 14:3 does also, yet John 12:3 identifies her as Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus. The harmonization is straightforward: the same village (Bethany), the same host (Simon), the same perfume (nard), the same complaint from the disciples, the same reply from Jesus, and the same promise of world-wide remembrance (Matthew 26:13; Mark 14:9). Luke 7:36-50 records a different occasion earlier in Galilee. Matthew’s choice not to name Mary serves his literary focus on Jesus, not on the benefactor; that anonymity itself undercuts any charge of hagiography or fabrication. Cultural and Historical Background of Anointing 1. Hospitality. In first-century Judea, honored guests received water for feet (Luke 7:44) and inexpensive oil for the head (Psalm 23:5). 2. Royal Consecration. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers” (1 Samuel 16:13). Kings and priests were publicly set apart by anointing; Messiah literally means “Anointed One.” 3. Burial Preparation. Jewish burials employed spices and perfumed oils (John 19:39-40). The Mishnah (Shabbat 23:5) confirms that nard was common in burial rites. Symbolism of the Alabaster Jar and Nard Alabaster (calcite) sealed aromas indefinitely. Archaeologists have unearthed similar vessels in Herod’s palace complex at Masada bearing traces of nardine compounds. Nard (nardostachys jatamansi) grows only in the Himalayas; Pliny the Elder (Natural History 12.26) lists it among Rome’s costliest imports. Mark values the perfume at “over three hundred denarii” (14:5)—about a year’s wage for a laborer (cf. Matthew 20:2). Such costliness underscores the woman’s total, sacrificial devotion. Prophetic Significance: Preparation for Burial Jesus interprets the action: “By pouring this perfume on My body, she has prepared Me for burial” (Matthew 26:12). Isaiah 53:9 foretells the Servant’s burial with the rich. The Synoptics report no time for embalming on Friday evening; Mary’s act ensures that Jesus is anointed beforehand, fulfilling type and prophecy. Acts of Devotion and Worship Mary had sat at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39) and witnessed her brother’s resurrection (John 11). Her lavish offering springs from informed gratitude. She gives the best she possesses, paralleling the Shema’s call to love God “with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Recognition of Jesus’ Messianic Kingship By anointing His head (Matthew; Mark) and His feet (John), Mary enacts the coronation of the Messiah-King and the humble service owed Him. Psalm 2:2 foresees rebellion “against the LORD and His Anointed,” while Psalm 45:7 speaks of God anointing His King “with the oil of joy.” Mary thus confesses Jesus’ royal identity in the very hour His enemies finalize plans to kill Him. Contrast with the Disciples’ Misunderstanding The disciples ask, “Why this waste?” (Matthew 26:8). Judas leads their indignation (John 12:4-6) under the guise of charity. Their fixation on monetary value shows how even close followers can miss the higher worth of Christ Himself. The narrative exposes hypocrisy and recalibrates priorities: worship above utilitarianism. Jesus’ Defense and Commendation “Wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” (Matthew 26:13). The prophecy came true: Papyrus 45 (c. AD 200), Codex Vaticanus (, 4th cent.), and every major manuscript family transmit the promise, and global evangelism has multiplied its fulfillment millions of times over. Spiritual Lessons for Believers • Supreme value of Christ—worthy of the costliest gift (Philippians 3:8). • Timeliness of obedience—opportunity may not return (James 4:14). • Whole-hearted worship—sensing what others overlook (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Memorial of faith—actions done for Christ echo into eternity (1 Corinthians 15:58). Typological and Theological Echoes • Aaron’s consecration oil running down his beard (Psalm 133:2) prefigures an anointing that brings blessing “to the ends of the earth” (Matthew 28:19). • Song of Songs 1:12—“While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance”—anticipates the scene at Simon’s table, linking spousal love to Christ-Church imagery (Ephesians 5:25-27). • The pouring out of costly perfume foreshadows the pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:17). Applications for Contemporary Christian Practice • Stewardship: Resources find highest purpose when directed to the glory of Christ. • Worship: Extravagant love may invite criticism; fidelity to Christ takes precedence over public opinion. • Evangelism: Jesus’ promise turns acts of devotion into gospel proclamations; personal testimony can embed itself in the missionary message. • Anticipation: Just as Mary acted before the cross, believers live in active readiness for Jesus’ return (Luke 12:35-37). Conclusion The woman anointed Jesus because she grasped, by revelation and relationship, His imminent sacrificial death, His royal identity, and His surpassing worth. Her action combined cultural norms, prophetic insight, and heartfelt worship, leaving an indelible testimony that continues to perfume the world wherever the gospel is proclaimed. |
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