Mark 14:1-9 is about a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume as a symbolic act of worship and preparation for his impending death, showcasing the contrast between pure devotion and worldly priorities.
1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him,
2 “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”
3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.
4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that?
5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.
8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.
9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
Setting the Scene for Mark 14:1-9
The scene in Mark chapter 14 opens with Jesus dining at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany, a village located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. Simon, who was likely healed by Jesus, is hosting this gathering to honor Jesus. As they recline at the table, a woman named Mary enters the room with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, had been deeply touched by Jesus’ teachings and miracles.
The room is filled with the aroma of the perfume as Mary breaks the jar and pours it over Jesus’ head. The disciples, including Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Jesus, are present and react with indignation at the perceived waste of the costly ointment. However, Jesus defends Mary’s actions, commending her for her act of devotion and prophesying that her deed will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. The atmosphere in the room is tense as Jesus addresses the disciples’ concerns and prepares them for the events that will soon unfold in Jerusalem.
What is Mark 14:1-9 about?
A woman demonstrates extraordinary love and devotion towards Jesus by anointing Him with costly perfume in this powerful and poignant moment from the Bible. Through this gesture, she is not only honoring Him but also symbolically preparing Him for His upcoming death and burial. This act of anointing Jesus with perfume holds deep significance as it foreshadows the sacrificial death and burial of Jesus, which would ultimately lead to His resurrection and victory over death.
This woman’s actions remind us of the depth of love and reverence we should have for Jesus in our own lives. Just like the woman in the story, we can express our love and devotion to Jesus through our words and actions. We can ask ourselves, how can we honor Jesus in our lives today? How can we show our love for Him in a tangible way, just as this woman did with the perfume? Let us strive to emulate this woman’s deep love and commitment to Jesus in our own lives, drawing inspiration from her example.
Understanding what Mark 14:1-9 really means
In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a poignant moment just before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Jesus finds Himself in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper. It is here that a woman approaches Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. This act of offering such a valuable item signifies the woman’s deep reverence and willingness to give something precious to honor Jesus. She breaks the jar and pours the perfume on His head, symbolizing total devotion and sacrifice. The breaking of the jar indicates a complete offering, unable to be used again, showcasing the depth of her worship.
When some onlookers question the woman’s actions, Jesus steps in, saying, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” In this simple statement, Jesus defends the woman, highlighting the beauty and significance of her act of worship. He acknowledges the prophetic nature of her actions, stating, “She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” Jesus recognizes the deeper meaning behind her gesture, seeing it as a preparation for His impending death.
This account is also found in other Gospels, such as John 12:1-8 and Matthew 26:6-13, which provide additional details and reinforce the importance of the woman’s actions. Another similar story in Luke 7:36-50 depicts a different anointing by a sinful woman, emphasizing Jesus’ acceptance and forgiveness, as well as the significance of acts of love and repentance. These parallel passages enrich our understanding of the themes of sacrificial giving, worship, and recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice.
The relevance of this passage extends to people today, challenging us to reflect on our own sacrificial giving. The woman’s example teaches us about offering our best to God, not only in material possessions but also in our time, talents, and love. Her actions remind us that true worship involves sacrifice and devotion, often misunderstood or criticized by others. By anointing Jesus, she acknowledges His impending sacrifice, prompting us to live in gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice He made for us.
To illustrate this point, imagine a young woman who spends all her savings on a special gift for her departing mentor. Despite criticism from friends, she understands the value of expressing gratitude and love. Similarly, the woman in the Gospel passage comprehended the importance of honoring Jesus, even in the face of misunderstanding. This narrative challenges us to consider what we value most and how we demonstrate our devotion to God, urging us to act with love and sacrifice, even when others fail to comprehend, and to recognize the profound significance of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
How can we show extravagant love for Jesus?
We can show extravagant love for Jesus by offering Him our most precious possessions and resources, just as the woman in the passage poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. This act of sacrificial giving demonstrates our willingness to put Jesus above material wealth and earthly possessions in our lives. We show our deep love and devotion to Jesus by giving extravagantly to Him.
Another way to show extravagant love for Jesus is by humble service, just as the woman in the passage humbly anointed Jesus’ feet with the perfume and wiped them with her hair. We demonstrate our love for Jesus in a tangible way by serving Him and others with humility and selflessness. Serving others in Jesus’ name is a powerful expression of our love and devotion to Him.
Furthermore, we can show extravagant love for Jesus by boldly and unashamedly expressing our worship and adoration for Him, just as the woman in the passage was not concerned with what others thought of her actions. When we worship Jesus with all our heart, soul, and mind, we demonstrate our love for Him in a way that is visible and contagious to others. We honor Him and show the world the depth of our devotion by proclaiming our love for Jesus openly and fervently.
Application
Think about your daily grind, whether at work or home. This woman in Mark 14:1-9 broke the mold, pouring out her best in a tangible act of love. What about you? Are you giving your utmost to show your love for God and those around you? Challenge yourself to step out, make a sacrifice, and spread love beyond the ordinary. Are you ready to make a bold move today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.