The Anointing Woman is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for her act of devotion and worship towards Jesus Christ. Her account is recounted in all four Gospels, with varying details, highlighting the importance of her actions in the life and ministry of Jesus. The accounts are found in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50, and John 12:1-8.

Context and Setting

The event takes place in the town of Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem. In the accounts of Matthew and Mark, the anointing occurs at the house of Simon the leper. In John's Gospel, the setting is the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, and his sisters Mary and Martha. Luke's account, however, places the event in the house of a Pharisee named Simon, suggesting a different occasion or a thematic emphasis.

The Act of Anointing

In Matthew 26:7 , it is recorded, "a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He was reclining at the table." Similarly, Mark 14:3 describes, "a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on His head." This act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume signifies honor and reverence, acknowledging His messianic role.

In John's account, the woman is identified as Mary, the sister of Lazarus. John 12:3 states, "Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." This intimate gesture of wiping Jesus' feet with her hair underscores her humility and devotion.

Reactions and Jesus' Response

The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, react with indignation at what they perceive as wastefulness. In John 12:5 , Judas questions, "Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" This criticism reflects a misunderstanding of the spiritual significance of the act.

Jesus defends the woman, emphasizing the prophetic nature of her actions. In Matthew 26:10-12 , He says, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me. By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial." Jesus acknowledges the anointing as preparation for His impending death, highlighting its deeper meaning.

Forgiveness and Faith

Luke's account presents a different perspective, focusing on forgiveness and faith. The woman, described as a sinner, anoints Jesus' feet, and He responds with a parable about forgiveness. In Luke 7:47 , Jesus declares, "Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." This narrative emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and the woman's faith in Jesus.

Legacy and Memorial

The Anointing Woman's act of devotion is immortalized by Jesus' words in Matthew 26:13 , "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." Her legacy is a testament to the profound impact of sincere worship and the recognition of Jesus' sacrificial mission.

The Anointing Woman's account continues to inspire believers, illustrating themes of repentance, worship, and the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah. Her actions serve as a model of faith and devotion, reminding Christians of the importance of honoring Christ with their lives.