Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. Using both the account given in Mark (see Mark 14:3 printed below) as well as that in John (see John 12:3 printed below), describe what Mary did to Jesus.
Now while he was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, as he reclined at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume over his head. (Mark 14:3)
Now Mary took a pint of perfume—pure nard, very expensive—and anointed Jesus’ feet, then she wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3)
Mary broke open her bottle of perfume and began to pour it out over Jesus’ head (Mark 14:3). She then proceeded to anoint Jesus’ feet with the rest of the perfume (John 12:3a). Finally, after having poured out the perfume upon Jesus, she wiped His feet with her hair (John 12:3b)
2. Describe the perfume Mary used. See Mark 14:3 (printed above under question #1) and John 12:3-5 (printed below)
Now Mary took a pint of perfume—pure nard, very expensive—and anointed Jesus’ feet, then she wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume…(4) But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, the one who would betray him, said, (5) Why was not this perfume sold for three hundred denarii, and the proceeds given to the poor? (John 12:3-5)
Mark describes the perfume as being very expensive and made of pure nard (Mark 14:3). John tells us that it was a pint of liquid nard (John 12:3)—a very large amount of perfume. Judas estimated that the bottle of perfume was worth 300 denarii (John 12:5)—almost the equivalent of a year’s wages.
3. Was Mary obligated to pour out her perfume upon Jesus?
Mary was under no obligation to pour out any of this perfume upon Jesus. This was an act of self-giving love demonstrating Mary’s devotion to Jesus. Mary was giving Jesus a special gift that was very precious to her because Jesus was very precious to her. By her action Mary was demonstrating her love for Jesus and how much He meant to her.
4. How do the disciples react to Mary when she empties her bottle of perfume upon Jesus? See Mark 14:4-5 (printed below)
But some who were there reacted with indignation and were saying among themselves, Why has this perfume been wasted? (5) This perfume could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the proceeds given to the poor. So they were rebuking her. (Mark 14:4-5)
Some of the disciples reacted with indignation. In their view, this very expensive perfume was being wasted. They protested that the perfume could have been sold for 300 denarii and the proceeds given to the poor (Mark 14:4-5). In their estimate, Mary was being very extravagant and foolish, and not being practical. John tells us that it was Judas who inspired this reaction of indignation on the part of the disciples, and he was motivated by selfish and ulterior desires (John 12:4-6).
5. How does Jesus respond to Mary’s act? See Mark 14:6-9 (printed below)
But Jesus said, Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a good deed to me. (7) You always have the poor among you, and whenever you desire you can do something good for them; but you will not always have me. (8) She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burying. (9) I tell you the truth, Wherever the gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, what this woman has done shall also be told in memory of her. (Mark 14:6-9)
Jesus commands the disciples to leave Mary alone and proclaims that she has performed a good deed for Him. Jesus then announces that wherever the gospel is preached throughout the whole world, Mary’s deed will be spoken of in remembrance of her. Jesus appreciated what Mary had done for Him and He honors her for it.
