Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany

Jesus came to Bethany six days before the Passover. A supper was prepared for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, was at the table with him. Matthew and Mark say this meal took place in the house of Simon the leper.

During the meal, Mary took very expensive ointment of pure nard and anointed Jesus. John says she anointed his feet and wiped them with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance. Matthew and Mark emphasise that the ointment was poured on his head.

Some of those present were upset and called it a waste. They said the ointment could have been sold for a large amount and the money given to the poor. John names Judas Iscariot as the speaker and says he was not truly concerned for the poor.

Jesus told them to leave her alone and not trouble her. He said she had done a good work for him. The poor would remain with them, and they could help them, but they would not always have him. He said her anointing prepared his body beforehand for burial.

Jesus said that wherever the good news was preached in the whole world, what this woman had done would be remembered. Meanwhile, many people came because Jesus was there and because they wanted to see Lazarus. The chief priests then planned to kill Lazarus too, because many were believing in Jesus on account of him.