Jesus Anointed

Mark 14:1-11

“She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” (Mark 14:8)

In the midst of the chaotic plot to arrest and kill Jesus comes a beautiful break in the Holy Week story. Here we see Jesus anointed by a woman during His visit to the home of Simon the Leper, in Bethany.

Jesus was often misunderstood by the people around Him, even by His own disciples (in the days to follow, both Peter and Judas will betray their rabbi). But this unnamed woman—who comes in off the street and pours her most expensive perfume over Jesus’ head—understands the significance of this moment entirely.

It’s ironic that every friend of Jesus seated inside Simon’s home thinks the woman is being irrational— surely she is out of her mind for wasting a bottle of perfume that costs so much! For us, this act of worship doesn't translate well because the ritual this woman performed isn't something we practice today. But in the proper context, it was expected and significant. All the priest-kings had to be anointed.

Yet even though the disciples witnessed this touching event, they did not understand the great High Priest was being anointed right before their eyes. And even though Jesus repeatedly tells of His approaching death and resurrection, this woman is the only one who hears Him and truly takes Him at His word. She knows exactly who this man is: He is the Messiah. And that is why she anoints Him, to prepare Him for His death.

Jesus’ response to the woman is as generous as her offering. He tells her that what she had done will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached; that she will always be a part of God’s salvation story. Clearly, Jesus was moved by her devotion. But why?

If we look to other parts of the gospel narrative, to the stories of the Centurion who showed great faith (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10), and the widow who offered her last savings to the temple treasury (Luke 21:1-4; Mark 12:41-44), we find a common thread. Jesus is moved when people put their whole faith in Him, give their whole offering, their whole heart.

This woman could have poured only some of the perfume, or even used less expensive perfume to anoint Jesus, but she didn't. She didn't come to Jesus with caution or reason, but with a spontaneous outpouring of love; the kind of selfless love that is the mark of the Kingdom of God. You see, Jesus does not want us to come to Him with caution. He wants us to open ourselves up and pour ourselves out.

So how is Jesus speaking into your life, telling you how He will work? Will you believe that Jesus is going to do what He says He will do? And what will your response be? Will you choose to be like the woman from Bethany, no matter what anyone else thinks of you? Will you recklessly abandon yourself, and everything you have, in highest praise and thanksgiving, to the One to whom you owe it all?