Biblical References:
The event of Mary anointing Jesus is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John. The specific passages are Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and John 12:1-8.

Context and Setting:
The anointing of Jesus by Mary took place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, shortly before the Passover and Jesus' crucifixion. This event is significant in the narrative of Jesus' final days, highlighting themes of devotion, sacrifice, and preparation for His burial.

Narrative Details:
In the Gospel of John, the event occurs six days before the Passover. Jesus is at the home of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, takes a pound of expensive perfume made of pure nard and anoints Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. The house is filled with the fragrance of the perfume (John 12:3).

In Matthew and Mark, the setting is the house of Simon the leper. Here, a woman, identified as Mary in John's account, anoints Jesus' head with the costly perfume. The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot in John's Gospel, express indignation at what they perceive as waste, arguing that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor (Matthew 26:8-9, Mark 14:4-5, John 12:4-5).

Jesus' Response:
Jesus defends Mary's actions, stating, "Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial" (John 12:7). He emphasizes the significance of her act, saying, "She has done a beautiful deed to Me" (Mark 14:6) and "Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her" (Matthew 26:13).

Theological Significance:
Mary's anointing of Jesus is rich in theological meaning. It symbolizes her deep devotion and recognition of Jesus' impending death and burial. The act of anointing, typically reserved for kings and the deceased, underscores Jesus' identity as the Messiah and foreshadows His sacrificial death.

The costly nature of the perfume reflects the value of Jesus' sacrifice and the depth of Mary's love and faith. Her willingness to use such an expensive item for Jesus illustrates the call for believers to offer their best to Christ, prioritizing spiritual devotion over material concerns.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
Nard, the perfume used by Mary, was a luxury item imported from India, highlighting the extravagance of her gesture. In Jewish culture, anointing was a significant act, often associated with consecration and honor. By anointing Jesus, Mary acknowledges His divine mission and prepares Him for His burial, an act of prophetic insight and spiritual awareness.

Lessons and Applications:
Mary's anointing of Jesus serves as a powerful example of selfless worship and devotion. It challenges believers to consider the depth of their own commitment to Christ and the willingness to sacrifice for His sake. The event also invites reflection on the recognition of Jesus' true identity and the anticipation of His redemptive work on the cross.