John 12:3-5
Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It’s easy to focus on Mary's extravagance, but notice how John highlights that she anointed Jesus’ feet, not just his head, and then dried them with her hair. This intimate, humble act shows her love went deeper than mere respect, demonstrating a profound personal devotion that filled the entire house.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany, six days before Passover, and is being honored with a dinner. Lazarus, whom Jesus recently raised from the dead, is present at the table, prompting both gratitude and a murderous plot from religious leaders who want to silence the testimony of Lazarus. Mary, moved by Jesus' profound act of love for her family, seizes this moment to express her devotion in an extraordinary act of worship.
Mary's act with the expensive ointment seems almost extravagant. Why did she choose this particular, costly method to show her love?
Mary's anointing of Jesus was not just a kind gesture; it was a profound act of worship and gratitude, especially after Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead.
A Sacrifice of Gratitude
She used a pound of 'pure nard,' a highly expensive perfume. Commentators note this was likely worth a year's wages for a laborer. This wasn't a casual act but a deliberate, sacrificial offering. It reflected the immense debt of love she felt, particularly in light of the recent miracle of Lazarus's resurrection.
Beyond Ordinary Devotion
While the custom was often to anoint the head, John highlights that Mary anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. This detail emphasizes the depth of her humility and devotion, going beyond expected customs to express the fullness of her heart.
The scent of the ointment spread throughout the entire house. What does this pervasive fragrance symbolize in our faith?
The immediate and powerful fragrance filling the house is a beautiful picture of how true worship and devotion impact everything around us.
A Sensory Symbol of Christ's Presence
The 'odor of the ointment' wasn't just a pleasant smell; it symbolized the pervasive presence and impact of Christ. Just as the perfume saturated the room, Christ's love, sacrifice, and resurrection are meant to permeate our lives and extend outward.
Contrasting Reactions to Worship
While Mary's act filled the house with a beautiful aroma, it also sparked harsh criticism from Judas. This highlights how genuine worship, driven by love, can be met with misunderstanding or even malice by those focused on worldly values. Yet, the 'fragrance' of such devotion can still transform spaces and lives.
Understand the original words
myron · Greek Noun
A costly, fragrant oil extracted from the spikenard plant, often used for burial preparation or as a sign of extreme honor and devotion toward a respected guest.
aleiphō · Greek Verb
The act of pouring oil upon someone as a sign of dedication, consecration for a specific task (such as kingship or priesthood), or, as in this context, preparing a body for burial.
Ioudas Iscariōtēs · Greek Proper Noun
One of the twelve original disciples of Jesus who betrayed Him to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver. His name serves as a warning regarding the danger of proximity to the holy without genuine saving faith.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Mary's lavish act of devotion, occurring just days before Jesus' crucifixion, was seen by some as wasteful but by Jesus as a profound recognition of his impending death and burial.
c. AD 30
Jesus raises Lazarus
Jesus miraculously raises his friend Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, a significant event witnessed by many and a direct catalyst for the events that follow.
c. AD 30— this verse
Banquet in Bethany
A banquet is held in Jesus' honor in Bethany, likely to celebrate Lazarus' resurrection. Martha serves, Lazarus is a guest, and Mary anoints Jesus' feet.
c. AD 30
Judas' protest and Jesus' response
Judas objects to the expensive ointment Mary used, proposing it be sold for the poor. Jesus defends Mary's action, stating it was for his burial.
c. AD 30
Plot against Jesus and Lazarus
Following the banquet, chief priests and others plot not only to kill Jesus but also Lazarus, because his resurrection was causing many to believe in Jesus.
This passage beautifully describes the alluring fragrance of the ointment, mirroring how Mary's act filled the house with a sweet aroma, symbolizing the spreading influence of Christ's presence.
Luke 7:46Jesus mentions that Mary's anointing is a more profound act of devotion than mere anointing of the head, highlighting the depth of her love and humility in serving Him.
Matthew 26:8This passage shows Judas's objection to the 'waste' of the ointment, revealing the contrast between selfless devotion and selfish motives, a theme echoed in John's account.
1 Samuel 15:22This verse emphasizes that obedience and devotion are more pleasing to God than sacrifice, drawing a parallel to how Mary's heartfelt act was infinitely more valuable than any ritual.
Philippians 2:17Mary's sacrificial offering can be seen as 'poured out' like a drink offering, a willing self-expenditure in devotion, similar to how Paul viewed his own ministry as a sacrifice for Christ.
henryJohn 12:1-11: "Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead."
12:1-11 Christ had formerly blamed Martha for being troubled with much serving. But she did not leave off serving, as some, who when found fault with for going too far in one way, peevishly run too far another way; she still served, but within hearing of Christ's gracious words. Mary gave a token of love to Christ, who had given real tokens of his love to…
bensonJohn 12:3: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."
John 12:3-8 . Then took Mary a pound of ointment, &c. — See notes on Matthew 26:6-13 ; Mark 14:1-9 . She did what is here related in token of the warm sense she had of the many favours Christ had conferred on her and her relations, but especially for the wonderful kindness he had lately shown to her…
It’s easy to focus on Mary's extravagance, but notice how John highlights that she anointed Jesus’ feet, not just his head, and then dried them with her hair. This intimate, humble act shows her love went deeper than mere respect, demonstrating a profound personal devotion that filled the entire house.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany, six days before Passover, and is being honored with a dinner. Lazarus, whom Jesus recently raised from the dead, is present at the table, prompting both gratitude and a murderous plot from religious leaders who want to silence the testimony of Lazarus. Mary, moved by Jesus' profound act of love for her family, seizes this moment to express her devotion in an extraordinary act of worship.
Jesus has just arrived in Bethany, six days before Passover, and is being honored with a dinner. Lazarus, whom Jesus recently raised from the dead, is present at the table, prompting both gratitude and a murderous plot from religious leaders who want to silence the testimony of Lazarus. Mary, moved by Jesus' profound act of love for her family, seizes this moment to express her devotion in an extraordinary act of worship.
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Those who follow the teachings and example of a master; in the New Testament, it refers to the followers of Jesus, characterized by commitment, sacrifice, and the call to take up one's cross.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
The act of delivering or handing over someone to enemies, specifically referring to Judas’s act of turning Jesus over to the authorities. It highlights the fulfillment of divine prophecy through human agency.
dēnarion · Greek Noun
A Roman silver coin representing a day's wage for an average laborer, often used in parables and historical accounts to represent standard economic value.
ptōchos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Those who lack material resources and are often subject to social and economic oppression. The Bible contains a strong mandate for the care of the poor, reflecting God’s heart for the vulnerable.
c. AD 30
Jesus enters Jerusalem
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrives in Bethany, staying there for a few days before making his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
c. AD 30
Passover Feast
Jesus celebrates the Passover meal with his disciples in Jerusalem, the week of his crucifixion.
"Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he wh…" — It’s easy to focus on Mary's extravagance, but notice how John highlights that she anointed Jesus’ feet, not just his head, and then dried them with her hair. This intimate, humble act shows her love…
