The Anointing at Bethany is a significant event in the New Testament, recorded in the Gospels of Matthew (26:6-13), Mark (14:3-9), and John (12:1-8). This event takes place in the village of Bethany, located near Jerusalem, and occurs shortly before the Passover and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The accounts provide a profound insight into the themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the foreshadowing of Jesus' impending death.

Context and Setting

Bethany was a small village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, known for being the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, and his sisters, Mary and Martha. The event occurs in the house of Simon the leper, a man presumably healed by Jesus, as lepers were typically isolated from society. The gathering at Simon's house was likely a meal in honor of Jesus, attended by His disciples and close friends.

The Act of Anointing

In the Gospel of John, it is Mary, the sister of Lazarus, who anoints Jesus. She 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. In Matthew and Mark, the woman is not named, and she anoints Jesus' head with the costly ointment. The act of anointing with oil was a customary practice in ancient Jewish culture, often associated with honor, consecration, and preparation for burial.

Reactions and Significance

The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, react with indignation, questioning why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. In the Berean Standard Bible, John 12:5-6 records Judas' protest: “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

Jesus defends the woman's actions, recognizing the anointing as a preparation for His burial. In Mark 14:8-9 , Jesus says, “She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial. 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.” This statement underscores the prophetic nature of the act and the woman's deep devotion.

Theological Implications

The Anointing at Bethany highlights several theological themes. It emphasizes the value of sacrificial love and devotion to Christ, as demonstrated by the woman's willingness to use a costly possession to honor Jesus. The event also foreshadows Jesus' death and burial, serving as a poignant reminder of His mission and the sacrifice He was about to make for humanity's redemption.

Furthermore, the contrasting reactions of the disciples, particularly Judas, reveal the tension between genuine devotion and self-interest. Jesus' response affirms the importance of honoring Him above all else, even above practical concerns, such as aiding the poor, which, while important, should not overshadow the worship and reverence due to Him.

Cultural and Historical Context

The use of nard, a fragrant oil derived from a plant found in the Himalayas, underscores the extravagance of the woman's gesture. The cost of the perfume, estimated at three hundred denarii, equaled nearly a year's wages for a laborer, highlighting the depth of her sacrifice. The act of wiping Jesus' feet with her hair further signifies humility and devotion, as a woman's hair was considered her glory (1 Corinthians 11:15).

In summary, the Anointing at Bethany is a profound narrative that encapsulates themes of love, sacrifice, and the foreshadowing of Jesus' death. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of devotion to Christ and the recognition of His redemptive mission.