Mark 14:3-9 - Jesus' Anointing in Bethany

Mark 14:3-9
3 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. 4 But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? 5 For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. 7 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. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 9 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.”

Message: Jesus' Anointing in Bethany

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - It is two days before the Passover, before the appointed crucifixion. The priests and scribes are wanting to seize Jesus and kill him but being the Passover they also are concerned about many coming to his defense. God is sovereign. His plans will prevail.

While He was in Bethany - Jesus is residing here often in Bethany. Bethany is outside of Jerusalem and seems to be a home base for Jesus. Bethany is about 1.5 miles from Jerusalem. Jesus is at the home of Simon the leper. Simon has probably recovered from leprosy and he is most likely the father of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. While Jesus is in the house, 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. In the gospel of John the woman is identified as Mary. The explanation of what she did sounds simple. But, the why of what she did was probably a little bit of a mystery as the disciples were probably present. But some were indignantly remarking to one another,“Why has this perfume been wasted?

There is wonder of what has occurred. It doesn't make sense that the perfume, the costly perfume would be used in this way. My guess is odors were common place in this day. There were probably many with offensive smells. It might be even possible for Jesus to have an offensive smell. And so there was probably bewilderment at various levels regarding why someone would pour an entire vile on one person. Mark says it was poured over the head. In John, it is said that in addition to the head, it went on Jesus' feet and Mary then wiped it off with her hair. Either Mary knew that Jesus needed to be anointed or the Holy Spirit moved her to do this in one way or another.

It was remarked, the Gospel of John says the remark came by way of Judas, For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her.  To give to the poor means that it had value they thought for anything better than what has been done.

It is interesting here that the men once again get it wrong while the women, namely Mary, gets it right. How often do the men stumble in these situations with Jesus. And yet Mary gets it right. I think that is interesting because I think in this day and age where women are continually at the forefront regarding their rights, it is thought that women don't reach women well and yet Jesus points out that it is the women that are getting it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. Jesus remarks that what she has done is good. She has been told by others it has been a waste, but it is done and Jesus praises the act. He says - 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. It is not that the poor don't need the funds but Jesus is really saying that the poor are always present so it should be understood that they are always able and should be receiving donations.

She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. She has seized the day, the moment. This time will not occur again. She must have known something significant was occurring in Jesus' life. Perhaps she was led by the Holy Spirit and now in Jesus' words she hears that it is true, Jesus will be buried. So, to her it is confirmed that it is true.

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. Jesus' words is correct. This story will be remembered and has been remembered. This devotion to Jesus has gone on in history. She had the right motives and Jesus recognized this.

Summary - Jesus is anointed in Bethany, which is about a mile and half outside of Jerusalem. It is getting closer to Passover and therefore his death. He has predicted it. Perhaps the disciples didn't want to accept it. But, word of it has gotten to Mary and she now uses this as opportunity to anoint Jesus' head and feet. People like Judas think this is a waste of resources and could have been spent on the poor. But, Jesus calls this a good thing that Mary has done. This was the time.

Promise: We show our gratitude to God by our gifts to him. Anytime we give, it is a good thing.

Prayer: O Father God, you are holy and true. Thank you for this good message about Mary's love for you and the moving of the Holy Spirit to give this sacrifice. She had little and it was all given to you, at that time. Thank you Lord for your sacrifice and then giving all of You to us. Lord, I praise your name.