Why did Jesus defend Mary's use of expensive perfume in John 12:7? Text of John 12:7 “‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.’” Immediate Literary Context John places the anointing six days before Passover in Bethany, immediately after recording the chief priests’ plot against Jesus (John 11:53–57) and just before the triumphal entry (John 12:12–19). Mary’s act functions as the narrative hinge between private devotion and public proclamation of Messiah-King. Historical and Cultural Background of Nard Imported from the Himalayan region, pure nard was rare and costly. Judas values Mary’s jar at “three hundred denarii” (John 12:5)—approximately a full laborer’s annual wage (cf. Tacitus, Ann. I.17). Archaeological finds of first-century alabaster vessels in Magdala and Jerusalem show such perfume was often sealed for long-term preservation, highlighting Mary’s intentional preparation. Mary’s Motive and Prior Relationship with Jesus Mary of Bethany had sat at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39) and witnessed her brother Lazarus raised (John 11). Her faith had already been affirmed by Jesus’ declaration, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). The anointing springs from gratitude and prophetic insight, not impulse. Jesus’ Defense: Preparation for Burial – Prophetic Timing – Jewish burial custom involved aromatic spices (2 Chron 16:14; John 19:40). By defending Mary, Jesus announces His imminent death before disciples fully grasp it. – Deliberate Preservation – The Greek verb tērēō (“kept”) implies Mary had reserved the perfume. She likely bought or saved it after Lazarus’ resurrection, discerning its eventual use on Jesus. – Unique Opportunity – After the crucifixion, women found the tomb empty and could no longer anoint His body (Luke 24:1–3). Mary’s act becomes the only successful embalming of the Messiah. Contrast with Judas’s Objection Judas speaks of selling the perfume “and giving it to the poor” (John 12:5). Jesus responds, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me” (John 12:8). – Heart Exposure – John clarifies Judas “was a thief” (12:6). Jesus’ defense unmasks hypocrisy that feigns charity while harboring greed. – Priority of Worship – Scripture commands care for the poor (Deuteronomy 15:11), yet first priority is devotion to God (Exodus 20:3). Mary’s offering aligns with first-fruit principles (Proverbs 3:9) and the Shema’s call to love God “with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Foreshadowing of Messianic Kingship and Priesthood Anointing signifies royal and priestly appointment (1 Samuel 10:1; Exodus 40:13-15). By receiving nard, Jesus is presented as: – King heading to coronation via the cross (cf. Psalm 2). – High Priest offering Himself (Hebrews 7:27). The fragrance filling the house (John 12:3) mirrors Exodus 30’s holy incense filling the tabernacle, signaling divine presence. Multiple Attestation and Historical Reliability Matthew 26:6–13 and Mark 14:3–9 provide independent Synoptic witnesses. Variations (e.g., “Simon the leper’s house,” the head vs. the feet) demonstrate non-collusive memory yet agree on core details: costly nard, disciples’ indignation, Jesus’ burial prediction, global memorialization. Such undesigned coincidences strengthen historicity (cf. Blunt, Undesigned Coincidences, 1847). Ethical Balance: Worship and Social Justice Jesus does not dismiss almsgiving; He reorders priorities. Early church practice reflects both: believers “sold property… and distributed proceeds” (Acts 2:45), yet also invested resources to proclaim Christ (Acts 13:2-3). Healthy discipleship embraces generous worship and sustained benevolence. Practical Application for Modern Readers 1. Extravagant love for Christ is commendable; calculate cost in light of His surpassing worth (Philippians 3:8). 2. Motive matters; worship arising from gratitude outranks philanthropy sprung from self-interest. 3. Discern timely opportunities—the “always” of the poor and the “not always” of unique kingdom moments. 4. Let devotion produce aroma that fills “the whole house,” influencing families, churches, cultures (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Conclusion Jesus defends Mary because her act uniquely fulfills prophetic burial preparation, exemplifies wholehearted worship, exposes hypocrisy, proclaims His messianic identity, and models the gospel’s priceless value. Her fragrant devotion becomes an eternal memorial, echoing Jesus’ promise: “Wherever the gospel is proclaimed in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” (Mark 14:9). |
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