Jesus is Anointed (John 12:1-8)

Jesus performed many signs to show that He is the Christ, the Son of God. The crowds, however, were confused about Him: His identity and His mission. Who is He? Is He the Messiah? Is He the King who will free us from Roman occupation? Is He a madman? Is He a blasphemer who is worthy of death? Mary of Bethany shows us that He is the Savior who lavishly and sacrificially loves us and is, therefore, worthy of receiving lavish, sacrificial love in return.

The Vial & Oil

John 12:1-2 says, “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him.” In Matthew and Mark’s account we are told this dinner happened in the house of Simon the Leper (Matt 26:6 & Mark 14:3). At the dinner, Mary came to Jesus “with an alabaster flask” (Matt 26:7) that contained “a pound of very costly oil of spikenard” (John 12:3). She “broke the flask and poured it on His head” (Mark 14:3) “as He sat at the table” (Matt 26:7). She then “anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil” (John 12:3). Before we go forward, let us take a moment to discuss the significance of the flask and the oil.

The Vial. During Jesus’ time, there was a profitable industry that produced flasks to hold ointments and perfumes. The ESV Archaeology Study Bible says: “Such flasks, vials, and small jars, often quite beautiful, are frequently found in archaeological excavations from the Roman period. They were usually made of glass or, if possible, Egyptian alabaster, which Pliny [Roman historian] considered to be the best material to preserve the scent of the oils inside. These vessels took a variety of shapes: spherical, candlestick, carrot, spindle, or pear.” These vials preserved the oil until it was used. One had to be very cautious with the vial, because once the flask was broken, it could not be reused. The vials alone were very precious and costly.

The Oil. John records for us that Mary used a litra (12 ounces) of expensive ointment made from pure nard to anoint Jesus. This was oil from the nard plant, imported from northern India. It is valued by Judas Iscariot at 300 denarii (John 12:5). In that day a denarius was a day’s wage for a laborer so 300 denarii represented almost one year’s worth of salary. Also, according to Pliny the Elder, “About the leaf, which is that of the nard, it is proper to speak at greater length, as it holds a foremost place among perfumes.” This was a very precious oil.

Mary & Judas

Now, let’s return to the dinner party. It starts normally, but then takes a strange turn. It is very strange to us because we are told of a vial of ointment poured upon Jesus’ head and feet. On top of that, Mary used her hair to wipe his feet. 

Mary’s Munificence. Mary took a very expensive perfume and used it to honor Jesus. Caring for the feet was the work of servants, and Mary’s wiping of Jesus’ feet with her hair was a surprisingly humble service. We are not told how Mary came into possession of such an expensive perfume. Could this have been a dowry for marriage? Most likely this expensive perfume represented her future security. If something happened to Lazarus (see John 11:14), the perfume could be sold to help Mary and Martha survive. Rather than continue to store it up for her security, she showered it on Jesus, indicating that she trusts Him with her future. Mary gave an extravagant gift to Jesus that was costly and humbling. In doing so, she committed her life and her future into His care. Mary’s munificence (lavish generosity) was on display in praise of Jesus. 

Judas’ Avarice. After Jesus was anointed by Mary, Judas (John 12:4) and some of the other disciples (Matt 26:8 & Mark 14:4) were indignant. Judas asked, “Why has this perfume been wasted?” (Mark 14:4). In order to make Himself sound better he added, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor” (John 12:5). Judas wasn’t really concerned for the poor. We are told “he said this, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put into it” (John 12:6). R.C. Sproul commented, “They should have praised her, saying, ‘What a magnificent thing you have done for our Messiah.’ Instead, they were “indignant.” Judas’ avarice (extreme greed) was on display in that he was upset that she “wasted” this expensive perfume on Jesus. 

Jesus’ Worthiness

Whereas Judas saw this display as a waste, Jesus said “she has done a good work for Me…for in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did this for My burial” (Matt 26:10&12; John 12:7). He also said that Mary’s beautiful act will be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached (Matt 26:13). Why is that? Are we just remembering something nice she did for Jesus? Mary’s anointing of Jesus is “told in memorial to her” (Matt 26:13) because it is an example of the lavish, sacrificial love Jesus’ is worthy to receive. In other words, this type of work is the fruit of the Gospel at work in the heart of His followers. J.C. Ryle wrote about Mary’s good work: 

She did it under the influence of a heart full of love and gratitude. She thought nothing too great and good to bestow on such a Savior. Sitting at His feet in days gone by and hearing His words, she had found peace for her conscience and pardon for her sins. At this very moment she saw Lazarus, alive and well, sitting by her Master’s side – her own brother Lazarus, whom He had brought back to her from the grave. Greatly loved, she thought she could not show too much love in return. Having freely received, she freely gave.”

Mary’s anointing of Jesus is an example of great love for Jesus. This love is demonstrated in humility, honor, and homage. She humbled herself before Jesus by washing His feet. She honored Him by preparing Him for His burial. She paid homage to Him by spending her most valuable possession on Him. For Mary, Jesus was her greatest treasure and everything else pales in comparison. 

J.C. Ryle – Gospel of John

How about you? Can you say the same? Are you willing to spend your most valuable possessions and even give yourself for Him. What specific ways do you show great love for Jesus that is lavish and sacrificial? Do you demonstrate it in humility? Honor? Homage? Mary was greatly loved by Jesus and greatly loved Jesus. Take time this week to examine yourself in prayer. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matt 22:37).