The anointing at Bethany opens Mark 14 with a sharp contrast. On one side, religious leaders calculate Jesus’ death. On the other hand, a woman offers Jesus her most precious possession. Love and betrayal stand side by side as the cross draws near.
The Audience Mark Is Writing To
Mark writes to believers facing pressure to compromise. This passage clarifies that neutrality is impossible—every response to Jesus reveals the heart. Devotion will always stand out in seasons of hostility.
Key Focus of the Passage and Jesus’ Character
The focus is extravagant devotion versus calculated rejection. Jesus is revealed as worthy of costly worship and fully aware of His approaching death. He receives honor, even as betrayal unfolds.
📖 Scripture: Mark 14:1–11 (NASB)
Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were only two days away; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him; for they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people.” While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.” Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.
The People Jesus Interacted With
Jesus is with Simon the leper, the disciples, the unnamed woman, and indirectly Judas Iscariot. Each responds differently as the cross approaches.
What Happened in the Scene
As leaders plot secretly, a woman publicly honors Jesus with an act of extravagant worship. Others criticize her sacrifice, but Jesus defends her and interprets her action as preparation for His burial. Immediately afterward, Judas moves toward betrayal.
Mood and Tone
The tone is intimate yet foreboding. Worship fills the room, even as darkness gathers outside.
What Jesus Said
“She has done a good deed to Me.”
“She has anointed My body beforehand for the burial.”
“What this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”
Jesus affirms sacrificial love and gives it eternal significance.
The Response of the Others
- Some criticize the woman’s devotion as wasteful.
- Jesus defends her publicly and honors her faith.
- Judas departs, choosing profit over devotion.
The Lesson for Us in 2026
- Devotion Will Be Misunderstood – True worship often looks excessive to others.
- Jesus Is Worth Our Best – Costly love honors Christ.
- Neutrality is a Myth – We either draw closer to Jesus or move away.
- Faithful Acts Are Remembered – God never forgets sincere devotion.
Betrayal fades into history—but worship echoes forever. Jesus is always worth what costs us most.
