Mark 14:6
But Jesus said, "Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.
But Jesus said
This phrase introduces the authoritative voice of Jesus, the central figure in the Gospel of Mark. The Greek word for "said" is "εἶπεν" (eipen), which is often used to denote a significant or authoritative statement. In the context of the Gospels, when Jesus speaks, it is with divine authority and wisdom. This moment is pivotal as it reflects Jesus' defense of an act of devotion, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of His mission and values.

Leave her alone
The command "Leave her alone" is a direct and protective statement from Jesus. The Greek word "ἄφετε" (aphete) is an imperative, showing urgency and authority. This phrase underscores Jesus' role as a defender of the marginalized and misunderstood. Historically, women in the first-century Jewish context often faced societal limitations, and Jesus' defense of the woman highlights His revolutionary approach to social norms and His recognition of sincere faith and devotion.

why are you bothering her?
This rhetorical question challenges the disciples' misunderstanding of the woman's actions. The Greek word for "bothering" is "κόπους" (kopous), which can mean causing trouble or distress. Jesus is addressing the unnecessary criticism and judgment from those around Him. This phrase invites reflection on the nature of true worship and devotion, encouraging believers to look beyond societal expectations and focus on the heart's intent.

She has done a beautiful deed to Me
The phrase "a beautiful deed" is translated from the Greek "καλὸν ἔργον" (kalon ergon), where "kalon" means good, noble, or beautiful, and "ergon" means work or deed. This highlights the intrinsic value of the woman's act of anointing Jesus, which was an expression of love and worship. In the historical context, anointing was a significant act, often associated with honor and preparation for burial. Jesus acknowledges the prophetic and sacrificial nature of her action, elevating it as an example of true discipleship. This phrase serves as an inspiration for believers to offer their best to Christ, recognizing that acts of love and devotion are precious in His sight.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to criticism directed at a woman who anointed Him with expensive perfume. His defense of her actions highlights His understanding and appreciation of her devotion.

2. The Woman
Although unnamed in this passage, she is identified in other Gospels as Mary of Bethany. Her act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume is an expression of deep love and worship.

3. Disciples
Present during this event, some of the disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, criticize the woman for what they perceive as wastefulness.

4. Bethany
The village where this event takes place, Bethany is located near Jerusalem and is a place where Jesus often stayed.

5. The House of Simon the Leper
The setting for this event, indicating a place of hospitality and perhaps a reminder of Jesus' healing ministry.
Teaching Points
The Value of Worship
Jesus' response underscores the importance of worship and devotion. Acts of love and worship, even if misunderstood by others, are precious to God.

Understanding True Worth
The woman's use of expensive perfume illustrates that true worth is not in material possessions but in how they are used to honor God.

Defending the Faithful
Jesus' defense of the woman teaches us to stand up for those who are sincerely serving God, even when they face criticism.

Prioritizing Spiritual Over Material
This passage challenges us to evaluate our priorities, ensuring that our actions reflect a heart devoted to Christ rather than material concerns.

The Beauty of Sacrifice
The woman's sacrifice is described as "beautiful," reminding us that sacrificial acts done in love for Christ are beautiful in His sight.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' defense of the woman in Mark 14:6 challenge our understanding of what is truly valuable in God's eyes?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate a similar devotion to Jesus in our daily lives, as the woman did with her costly perfume?

3. How can we apply Jesus' teaching in this passage to defend and support others who are serving God in ways that may be misunderstood or criticized?

4. Reflect on a time when you prioritized material concerns over spiritual devotion. How can this passage guide you in making different choices in the future?

5. How does the concept of "beautiful deeds" in God's sight, as seen in this passage, inspire you to live out your faith more fully? Consider connections to other scriptures that speak about acts of love and worship.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8
These parallel accounts provide additional details about the event, including the identity of the woman and the specific criticism from Judas Iscariot.

Luke 10:38-42
This passage also features Mary of Bethany, highlighting her devotion to Jesus and her choice to prioritize spiritual matters over material concerns.

Proverbs 31:30
This verse speaks to the value of a woman who fears the Lord, which can be seen in the woman's act of worship and devotion to Jesus.
She Hath Wrought a Good Work on MeA. Rowland Mark 14:6
The Alabaster BoxAlexander MaclarenMark 14:6
A Woman's MemorialC. S. Robinson, D. D.Mark 14:1-9
An Alabaster Box of Ointment -- Mary's GiftR. Glover., J. Morison, D. D.Mark 14:1-9
AnointingH. W. Beecher.Mark 14:1-9
Blinding Influence of PrejudiceMark 14:1-9
Broken Things Useful to GodP. B. Power.Mark 14:1-9
Contrast Between Mary and JudasT. M. Lindsay, D. D.Mark 14:1-9
Costly Gifts Acceptable to ChristM. F. Sadler, M. A.Mark 14:1-9
Costly Offerings Acceptable to GodBishop H. C. Potter.Mark 14:1-9
Mary Anointing ChristC. Bradley, M. A.Mark 14:1-9
Profusion not WasteProf. J. Stacey, D. D.Mark 14:1-9
She Brake the BoxP. B. Power.Mark 14:1-9
The Alabaster CruseR. Green Mark 14:1-9
The Anointing At BethanyAlex. McKenzie, D. D.Mark 14:1-9
The Anointing At BethanyW. Denton, M. A.Mark 14:1-9
The Box of OintmentAlexander Finer, D. D.Mark 14:1-9
The Broken VaseBishop Christopher Wordsworth.Mark 14:1-9
The Offering of DevotionAlex. McKenzie, D. D.Mark 14:1-9
The Sacrifice of LoveJ. C. Gray.Mark 14:1-9
The True Principle of Christian ExpenditureBishop H. C. Potter.Mark 14:1-9
Wasted AromaDr. Talmage.Mark 14:1-9
Working for ChristHenry S. Miles, M. A.Mark 14:1-9
The Betrayal by JudasJ.J. Given Mark 14:1-11, 18-21, 43-50
Anointing for MartyrdomE. Johnson Mark 14:3-9
The Precious Spikenard; Or, the Impulse of the AbsoluteA.F. Muir Mark 14:3-9
People
James, Jesus, John, Judas, Peter, Simon
Places
Bethany, Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives
Topics
Act, Alone, Beautiful, Bother, Bothering, Deed, Giving, Gracious, Kind, Leave, Towards, Trouble, Troubling, Wrought
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 14:3-9

     5745   women
     5979   waste
     8356   unselfishness

Library
July 28 Evening
Let your requests be made known unto God.--PHIL. 4:6. Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.--There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 18 Evening
She hath done what she could.--MARK 14:8. This poor widow hath cast in more than they all.--Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.--If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.--If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 7 Evening
Jesus . . . was moved with compassion toward them.--MATT. 14:14. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.--We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.--Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.--He cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

'Is it I?'
'Is it I?'--Mark xiv. 19 The scene shows that Judas had not as yet drawn any suspicion on himself. Here the Apostles seem to be higher than their ordinary stature; for they do not take to questioning one another, or even to protest, 'No!' but to questioning Christ. I. The solemn prophecy. It seems strange at first sight that our Lord should have introduced such thoughts then, disturbing the sweet repose of that hallowed hour. But the terrible fact of the betrayal was naturally suggested by the emblems
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sleeping Apostle
'Simon, sleepest thou!'--Mark xiv. 37 It is a very old Christian tradition that this Gospel is in some sense the Apostle Peter's. There are not many features in the Gospel itself which can be relied on as confirming this idea. Perhaps one such may be found in this plaintive remonstrance, which is only preserved for us here. Matthew's Gospel, indeed, tells us that the rebuke was addressed to Peter, but blunts the sharp point of it as directed to him, by throwing it into the plural, as if spoken to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Secret Rendezvous
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the pastorer, His disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The New Passover
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, the disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the Passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples?
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Strong Crying and Tears'
'And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and He saith to His disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33. And He taketh with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34. And saith onto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35. And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him
'And immediately, while He yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44. And he that betrayed Him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He; take Him, and lead Him away safely. 45. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to Him, and saith, Master, Master; and kissed Him. 46. And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him. 47. And one of them that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges
'And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death; and found none. 56. For many bare false witness against Him, but their witness agreed not together. 57. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against Him, saying, 58. We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. 59. But neither so did their witness agree together. 60. And the high priest stood up in their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Alabaster Box
'And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me.... 8. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying. 9. Verily I say unto you. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.'--Mark xiv. 6-9. John's Gospel sets this incident in its due framework of time and place, and tells us the names of the actors. The time was within a week
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Questions About the Lord's Supper
THE paper which begins at this page requires a few words of prefatory explanation. It consists of fifty-one questions about the Lord's Supper, with special reference to points which are the subject of much dispute and controversy in the present day. It supplies fifty-one answers to these questions, chiefly drawn from the New Testament, and the Articles, Communion Service, and Catechism of the Church of England. It contains, in addition, some valuable extracts from the writings of standard English
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

That He who is About to Communicate with Christ Ought to Prepare Himself with Great Diligence
The Voice of the Beloved I am the Lover of purity, and Giver of sanctity. I seek a pure heart, and there is the place of My rest. Prepare for Me the larger upper room furnished, and I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.(1) If thou wilt that I come unto thee and abide with thee, purge out the old leaven,(2) and cleanse the habitation of thy heart. Shut out the whole world, and all the throng of sins; sit as a sparrow alone upon the house-top,(3) and think upon thy transgressions
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Twenty-Eighth Lesson. Father! not what I Will;'
Father! Not what I will;' Or, Christ the Sacrifice. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what Thou wilt.'--Mark xiv. 36. WHAT a contrast within the space of a few hours! What a transition from the quiet elevation of that, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, FATHER I WILL,' to that falling on the ground and crying in agony. My Father! Not what I will.' In the one we see the High Priest within the veil in His
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
"She hath done what she could."--MARK 14:8. MY DEAR SISTER, You doubtless feel a deep interest in the great benevolent enterprises of the present day. No one who possesses the spirit of our Master can be indifferent towards them. It is important, then, that you should know what you can do towards moving forward these enterprises. For, remember that your obligation is as extensive as your ability. Christ commended the woman, referred to in the passage above quoted for doing "what she could."
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

Mark.
Commentaries. George Petter (the largest Com. on M., London, 1661, 2 vols. fol.); C. Fr. A. Fritzsche (Evangelium Marci, Lips., 1830); A. Klostermann (Das Marcusevangelium nach seinem Quellenwerthe für die evang. Gesch., Göttingen, 1867); B. Weiss (Das Marcusevangelium und seine synopt. Parallelen, Berlin, 1872); Meyer (6th ed. by Weiss, Gött., 1878); Joseph A. Alexander (New York, 1858, and London, 1866); Harvey Goodwin (London, 1860); John H. Godwin (London, 1869); James Morison
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

"She Hath done what She Could. " Mark 14:8.
"She hath done what she could." Mark 14:8. 1 Bless, O bless, Almighty Father, Woman's mission with our race,-- Her fond strivings here to gather Fruits of thy redeeming grace. 2 Though her way be not where honor Wins the gazing world's acclaim, Yet we bless thee that upon her Rests the power of Jesus' name. 3 In that name, O Father, strengthen Her full heart and ready hands; May her efforts serve to lengthen Christian love's encircling bands. 4 Where the mourning and the needy And the suffering
J.G. Adams—Hymns for Christian Devotion

Jerusalem
For the history of the disciples after the death of Jesus we are dependent upon a single source, the Acts of the Apostles, which can, however, be controlled, and to some extent corrected, by the gospels and by the epistles of Paul. It is now generally recognised that if any one wishes to write a life of Christ he ought to base his work not on the gospels as we have them now, but rather on the information provided by the critical analysis of the gospels as to their sources. These sources, or at least
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity

Watch and Pray. --Mark. xiv. 38
Watch and Pray.--Mark. xiv. 38. Our Saviour's words are "Watch and Pray:" Lord, make us willing to obey; Lord, make us able to fulfil Thy counsel--give both power and will. The wisdom from above impart, To keep our hand, and tongue, and heart, In thought, word, deed,--that so we may Pray whilst we watch, watch while we pray. Lest while we watch, and fear no snare, We fall into neglect of prayer; Or, while we pray, and watch not, sin Creep like a subtil serpent in. When by an evil world beset,
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

As the Rind of a Pomegranate are Thy Cheeks, Besides that which is Hidden Within.
As the rind of the pomegranate is the least part of it, and includes all its excellence, so with this soul, its exterior appears of small account in comparison with what is concealed within. [42] The interior is filled with, the purest charity and the most advanced graces, but hidden under a very common exterior; for God takes pleasure in hiding away the souls He destines for Himself. Men are not worthy to know them, though the angels admire and respect them even under the humblest external form
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

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