Mark 14:3

While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus' head.

Study Bible

While Jesus was in Bethany
Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem, holds significant importance in the Gospels. It was a place of refuge and rest for Jesus, often associated with His close friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The name "Bethany" is thought to mean "house of affliction" or "house of figs," reflecting its humble and perhaps challenging environment. This setting underscores the humility and humanity of Jesus, who chose to spend His time in a place not of grandeur but of simplicity and genuine relationships.

in the home of Simon the leper
Simon the leper's home is a poignant setting, as leprosy was a disease that led to social ostracism. The fact that Jesus was in Simon's home highlights His compassion and willingness to associate with those marginalized by society. It is possible that Simon had been healed by Jesus, which would explain his ability to host a gathering. This setting emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus' ministry, breaking social barriers and restoring individuals to community and fellowship.

a woman came
The woman, identified in other Gospels as Mary of Bethany, approaches Jesus with a bold and sacrificial act. Her coming to Jesus signifies an act of devotion and courage, as she steps into a male-dominated space to express her love and reverence. This moment highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, where women played crucial roles and were acknowledged for their faith and actions.

with an alabaster jar
Alabaster, a fine-grained stone, was commonly used to store precious ointments and perfumes. The jar itself represents value and beauty, indicating the significance of the contents it held. The use of an alabaster jar suggests the woman's intention to offer something of great worth to Jesus, symbolizing her deep devotion and the preciousness of her gift.

of expensive perfume, made of pure nard
Nard, a costly perfume derived from a plant found in the Himalayas, was a luxury item in the ancient world. Its mention underscores the sacrificial nature of the woman's offering, as she gives something of immense value. This act of anointing with pure nard symbolizes the woman's recognition of Jesus' divine kingship and foreshadows His burial, as anointing was a customary practice for honoring the dead.

She broke open the jar
Breaking the jar signifies a total and irreversible act of giving. Once broken, the jar could not be used again, symbolizing the woman's complete and unreserved devotion to Jesus. This act of breaking open the jar reflects the call for believers to offer their lives wholly to Christ, holding nothing back in their worship and service.

and poured it on His head
Anointing the head was a traditional act of honoring and consecration, often associated with kingship and priesthood. By pouring the perfume on Jesus' head, the woman acknowledges His authority and divine mission. This act prefigures Jesus' impending death and burial, serving as a prophetic gesture of His role as the Messiah who would suffer and die for humanity's redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel, the Son of God, who is in Bethany at this time.

2. Bethany
A village near Jerusalem, known as a place where Jesus often visited. It is the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.

3. Simon the Leper
The host of the gathering. His designation as "the leper" suggests he was once afflicted with leprosy, possibly healed by Jesus.

4. The Woman
Although unnamed in Mark, she is identified as Mary, the sister of Lazarus, in the Gospel of John. She performs an act of devotion by anointing Jesus.

5. Alabaster Jar of Pure Nard
A costly perfume, symbolizing the woman's sacrificial act of worship and devotion to Jesus.

Teaching Points

Sacrificial Worship
The woman's act of breaking the alabaster jar and pouring out the perfume represents a total and costly devotion to Jesus. True worship often involves sacrifice and giving our best to God.

Recognition of Jesus' Worth
The woman's actions demonstrate her understanding of Jesus' divine worth and foreshadow His impending death and burial. We are called to recognize and honor Jesus' supreme value in our lives.

Criticism and Faithfulness
Despite potential criticism from others, the woman remains faithful in her act of worship. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ, even when misunderstood or criticized.

Preparation for Burial
Jesus interprets the woman's act as preparation for His burial, highlighting the importance of understanding and participating in God's redemptive plan.

Legacy of Faith
Jesus declares that the woman's deed will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Our acts of faith and devotion can leave a lasting impact and testimony for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the woman's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume teach us about the nature of true worship and sacrifice?

2. How can we apply the principle of giving our best to Jesus in our daily lives, and what might that look like practically?

3. In what ways can we remain faithful in our devotion to Christ, even when facing criticism or misunderstanding from others?

4. How does the woman's act of anointing Jesus connect to the broader account of His death and resurrection, and what does this teach us about participating in God's redemptive plan?

5. Reflect on a time when an act of faith or devotion left a lasting impact on you or others. How can we ensure that our actions contribute to a legacy of faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 12:1-8
Provides a parallel account, identifying the woman as Mary and offering additional details about the event.

Matthew 26:6-13
Another parallel account that emphasizes the significance of the woman's act as preparation for Jesus' burial.

Luke 7:36-50
Although a different event, it also involves a woman anointing Jesus, highlighting themes of forgiveness and devotion.

Psalm 23:5
The anointing of the head with oil is a symbol of blessing and honor, connecting to the imagery of God's provision and care.

Song of Solomon 1:12
References the fragrance of nard, symbolizing love and intimacy, which can be seen as a metaphor for the woman's devotion to Jesus.