Mary Anoints Jesus
A house filled with fragrance
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Story
What happened?
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The whole story, in shortWhat happens, start to finish. Open it if you want the ending first.
Six days before Passover, at a dinner in Bethany with Martha and Lazarus, Mary poured a pint of very expensive perfume on Jesus's feet and wiped them with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance. Judas Iscariot complained that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor, though he was really a thief. Jesus said, "Leave her alone," and that she had kept it for the day of his burial.
Where it is in the Bible: John 12:1-8
Who’s who and what came beforePeople, places, and the story so far. Open it anytime.
Scene Card
Cast
- Jesus: The one the Gospels present as the promised Messiah and the Son of God. It is less than a week before he dies.
- Mary: A friend of Jesus, sister of Martha and Lazarus.
- Martha: Mary's sister. She is serving the dinner.
- Lazarus: Their brother. Jesus raised him from the dead.
- Judas Iscariot: One of the twelve disciples. He will betray Jesus.
Setting
- A home in Bethany, a village about two miles from Jerusalem.
When
- Six days before Passover, about 2,000 years ago.
Before the Story
Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus had been in the tomb four days (11:39-44).
After that, the leaders made plans to kill Jesus. "So from that day on they plotted to kill Him" (11:53).
Mary had sat at Jesus's feet before. She listened to him teach (Luke 10:39). When Lazarus died, she fell at Jesus's feet and wept (11:32).
Map of the Story
| Scene | Verses | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. A dinner for Jesus | 12:1-2 | Friends host a dinner in Bethany |
| 2. A pint of perfume | 12:3 | Mary pours perfume on Jesus's feet |
| 3. "Why this waste?" | 12:4-6 | Judas complains |
| 4. "Leave her alone" | 12:7-8 | Jesus defends Mary |
Plain Retelling
Scene 1 of 4A Dinner for Jesus
Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany.
This was the hometown of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
They gave a dinner for Jesus. Martha served. Lazarus was at the table with him.
Scene 2 of 4A Pint of Perfume
Then Mary took about a pint of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard.
She poured it on Jesus's feet and wiped his feet with her hair.
"And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume" (12:3).
Scene 3 of 4"Why This Waste?"
But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would betray Jesus, objected.
"Why wasn't this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (12:5).
Three hundred denarii was about a year's pay for a worker.
John tells us that Judas didn't really care about the poor. He kept the disciples' money bag, and he used to steal from it.
Scene 4 of 4"Leave Her Alone"
"Leave her alone," Jesus replied (12:7).
"She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial" (12:7).
Back then, perfume and spices were put on a body when it was buried. Mary was getting Jesus ready for his death.
"The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me" (12:8).
Meaning
What does it mean?
Read It
What Does This Mean?
| The text says | It means |
|---|---|
| "Pure nard" (12:3) | Very expensive perfume from a plant that grows in faraway mountains. |
| "Wiped them with her hair" (12:3) | Mary showed humble, total love for Jesus. |
| "The house was filled with the fragrance" (12:3) | Her gift couldn't be hidden. |
| "Why wasn't this perfume sold" (12:5) | Judas complained that her gift was a waste. |
| "For the day of My burial" (12:7) | Jesus knew he would soon die. |
| "You will not always have Me" (12:8) | This was a special moment to honor Jesus. |
Back Then
Nard came from the Himalaya mountains. It was carried a very long way, which made it very costly.
Guests reclined at the table. They lay on cushions with their feet away from the table. That made it easy for Mary to reach Jesus's feet.
Matthew and Mark tell a similar story. In their telling, a woman pours perfume on Jesus's head (Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13).
Literal Reader Alert
Does Jesus not care about the poor? He cares deeply. Jesus is quoting God's law, which says there will always be poor people, so always be generous to them (Deuteronomy 15:11). He is saying this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment to honor him.
Was Mary wasting money? Judas thought so. Jesus called it a beautiful thing. Love sometimes gives more than seems sensible.
Is this the same Mary as Mary Magdalene? No. This is Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
How People Feel
| Who | Feeling | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Martha | Busy | She was serving the dinner (12:2) |
| Mary | Devoted | She poured out her most precious thing for Jesus (12:3) |
| Judas | Greedy | He wanted the money for himself (12:6) |
| Jesus | Grateful | He defended Mary's gift (12:7) |
For you
What does it mean for me?
Your Turn
What would you give Jesus? Tap one.
My time
Mary sat at his feet before. Time with Jesus is a gift.
Something precious
Mary gave her best. Jesus loved it.
I feel judged
Judas criticized Mary. Jesus said, "Leave her alone."
I have little to give
Jesus gave himself for you first. Love him back with what you have.
You Might Have Heard
"Spending money on worship is a waste."
What's true: God wants us to care for the poor. Jesus did too.
What the story is mainly about: Mary's gift was love poured out for Jesus, right before he poured out his life. Jesus defended her. Real love for Jesus and care for the poor go together.
Where Jesus is: At a dinner with his friends, less than a week before his death, being honored by someone who loved him.
Good News
Mary poured out her perfume for Jesus. A few days later, Jesus poured out his life for Mary, and for us.
"She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial" (12:7).
Jesus knew where he was going. He went to the cross and the tomb, and he rose again. The fragrance of that love fills the whole world.
Mary poured out her love on Jesus. Jesus poured out his life for us.
Big Idea
Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus's feet to prepare him for his burial. Her love was beautiful, and his love was greater.
If this story brings up big feelings, talk with someone you trust, like a parent, pastor, or counselor.
For leaders and parentsLuther, church readings, and notes for teaching.
From Luther
Luther taught that good works flow out of faith, like fruit from a tree. Mary's gift wasn't to earn anything. It was the overflow of a heart that loved Jesus.
In Church
Many churches follow the Revised Common Lectionary. In Year C, it reads John 12:1-8 on the Fifth Sunday in Lent. In all three years, John 12:1-11 is read on Monday of Holy Week.
We quote Luther for what he got right about grace. He also wrote terrible things about Jewish people. Read our note on that.
Memorize
How do I keep it?
One line from this story to learn by heart. Practice a little now. It will come back later so it sticks.
And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
How did that feel?
You finished Mary Anoints Jesus.
Using this at church
Read in church on
- Fifth Sunday in Lent Year CGospel, John 12:1–8
For a newsletter or sermon notes
Mary Anoints Jesus, explained in plain words. Mary pours expensive perfume on Jesus's feet. Judas calls it a waste. About 8 minutes. https://freescripture.org/stories/mary-anoints-jesus/
Lines for the next eight Sundays, on Digital Lutheran Church