Mark 14:9

And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her."

Study Bible

And truly I tell you
This phrase is a solemn affirmation by Jesus, often used to emphasize the importance and certainty of what He is about to say. The Greek word for "truly" is "ἀμὴν" (amen), which is a transliteration from Hebrew, meaning "so be it" or "truth." It underscores the authority and reliability of Jesus' words, inviting the listener to pay close attention to the profound truth He is about to reveal.

wherever the gospel is preached
The term "gospel" comes from the Greek "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion), meaning "good news." This phrase indicates the universal scope of the Christian message, which is to be proclaimed throughout the entire world. Historically, this reflects the missionary zeal of the early church, which sought to spread the teachings of Jesus to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

in all the world
The Greek word "κόσμος" (kosmos) is used here, signifying the entire inhabited earth. This phrase emphasizes the global reach and impact of the gospel message. It reflects the early Christian understanding that the message of Christ transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, uniting believers from every corner of the earth in a shared faith.

what she has done
This refers to the act of the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, as described earlier in the chapter. Her action is a profound expression of love, devotion, and sacrifice. The Greek verb "ποιέω" (poieo) means "to do" or "to make," highlighting the intentional and significant nature of her deed. Her act is a model of selfless worship and service to Christ.

will also be told
The future tense here indicates the enduring legacy of the woman's act. The Greek word "λαλέω" (laleo) means "to speak" or "to tell," suggesting that her account will be recounted and remembered as part of the gospel narrative. This underscores the idea that acts of faith and devotion have lasting significance in the kingdom of God.

in memory of her
The Greek word "μνημόσυνον" (mnemosynon) means "memorial" or "remembrance." This phrase signifies that the woman's act will be perpetually remembered and honored within the Christian community. It highlights the biblical principle that God values and remembers the faithful actions of His people, ensuring that their contributions to His kingdom are never forgotten.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, who acknowledges and honors the woman's act of devotion.

2. The Woman
Although unnamed in Mark, she is identified in other Gospels as Mary of Bethany. She anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, demonstrating her love and devotion.

3. Bethany
A village near Jerusalem where this event takes place, often associated with Jesus' friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

4. The Disciples
Present during the event, some of whom criticize the woman's actions as wasteful.

5. The Gospel
The good news of Jesus Christ, which is to be preached throughout the world, and within which this woman's act is to be remembered.

Teaching Points

The Value of Devotion
The woman's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume demonstrates the value of wholehearted devotion to Christ. True worship often involves sacrifice and prioritizing Jesus above material concerns.

Eternal Impact of Our Actions
Jesus' promise that the woman's deed will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached highlights the eternal significance of our actions when done in faith and love.

Criticism and Faithfulness
The disciples' criticism of the woman's actions serves as a reminder that acts of faith may not always be understood or appreciated by others. Faithfulness to Christ should remain our focus.

The Role of Women in the Gospel
This passage underscores the important role women played in Jesus' ministry and the spread of the gospel, challenging cultural norms of the time.

The Global Mission of the Gospel
Jesus' statement points to the global mission of the gospel, encouraging believers to participate in sharing the good news worldwide.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the woman's act of anointing Jesus challenge our understanding of worship and sacrifice today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions have an eternal impact, as seen in the woman's account?

3. How can we respond to criticism when our acts of faith are misunderstood or undervalued by others?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of women in the gospel accounts, and how can we apply these lessons in our church communities?

5. How does Jesus' statement about the global mission of the gospel inspire us to participate in sharing the good news in our own contexts?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8
These passages provide parallel accounts of the anointing at Bethany, offering additional details and perspectives.

Luke 10:38-42
This passage highlights Mary of Bethany's devotion to Jesus, similar to her act of anointing.

Acts 10:4
Cornelius' prayers and alms are remembered by God, paralleling the idea of acts of devotion being memorialized.

Philippians 4:18
Paul speaks of gifts as a fragrant offering, connecting to the symbolism of the perfume used by the woman.