Why did the woman anoint Jesus with expensive perfume in Mark 14:3? Text, Setting, and Immediate Context “While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.” (Mark 14:3) The incident occurs two days before Passover, in a village already linked with resurrection power (John 11). Mark places the narrative as the pivot from public ministry to the Passion, heightening its prophetic weight. Historical and Cultural Background • Hospitality in first-century Judea included washing a guest’s feet with water or inexpensive oil. • Pure nard (nardos pistikos) was imported from the Himalayan region, stored in sealed alabaster jars; archaeologists have unearthed similar vessels at Masada and Herodium (Yadin, Excavations 1963-67). • “Three hundred denarii” (Mark 14:5) roughly equals a year’s wage for a day-laborer (cf. Matthew 20:2), underscoring sacrificial extravagance. • Anointing signified installation of prophets, priests, and kings (Exodus 30:22-33; 1 Samuel 16:13). Harmony with the Other Gospels Matthew 26:6-13 mirrors Mark almost verbatim, reinforcing two-source consistency supported by early witnesses — Papyrus 45 (c. AD 250) and Codices Sinaiticus & Vaticanus (4th cent.). John 12:1-8 names the woman as Mary of Bethany and links her devotion to Jesus’ raising of Lazarus. These “undesigned coincidences” (Blunt, 1869) strengthen historicity. Identity of the Woman John’s specification, combined with the Bethany location and the disciples’ presence, points to Mary of Bethany. Luke 7:36-50 records a different earlier event in Galilee; the overlap of motif, not chronology, explains similarity. Primary Reasons for the Anointing 1. Prophetic Preparation for Burial Jesus interprets her action: “She has anointed My body in advance of My burial.” (Mark 14:8). Jewish burial customs employed aromatic spices (John 19:40). By acting while He yet lived, she displayed faith in His predicted death (Mark 8:31). 2. Recognition of His Messianic Kingship and Priesthood The Messiah (“Anointed One”) is both King (Psalm 2) and High Priest (Psalm 110). Mary’s nard recalls Samuel’s anointing of David (1 Samuel 16:13) and points to the greater Son of David. 3. Extravagant Love and Gratitude Having witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection, Mary responds with the costliest object she owned. “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) Her deed models whole-hearted worship. 4. Paradigm of Discipleship and Sacrificial Giving The perfume, once poured out, could never be recovered — a living parable of self-denial (Mark 8:34). Jesus contrasts her act with Judas’s impending betrayal, exposing heart motives. 5. Fragrance of the Gospel Paul later writes, “We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:15). The literal fragrance permeated the house (John 12:3); figuratively, her story continues to fill the world (Mark 14:9). Jesus’ Vindication of the Act “Leave her alone… She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” (Mark 14:6) • He affirms that honoring the Son supersedes even noble charitable aims (cf. Deuteronomy 15:11). • He grants the woman perpetual memorial, fulfilled every time the Gospel is preached. Theological Implications • Substitutionary Atonement and Burial: Isaiah 53:9 foresaw the Servant’s burial among the rich; Mary unintentionally fulfils prophecy. • Foreshadowing Resurrection: Only one who anticipates victory over death accepts burial preparation before death occurs. • Priestly Mediation: Exodus 30 links sacred anointing oil to consecration; Jesus becomes the consecrated sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 7:26-27). Practical and Evangelistic Application The narrative calls every hearer to assess Christ’s worth. If Jesus truly rose (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), nothing we give is too great; if He did not, even the cheapest offering is waste. The empty tomb, attested by hostile witnesses (Matthew 28:11-15) and early creed (v. 3-5, dated < 5 years after the event), substantiates Mary’s intuition. Conclusion The woman anointed Jesus with costly perfume to proclaim, in deed, that He is the prophesied, soon-to-be-slain and risen Messiah. Her act prepared His body for burial, expressed supreme love, acknowledged His kingship and priesthood, modeled sacrificial discipleship, and broadcast the sweet aroma of the coming Gospel to the whole world. |
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