Mary of Bethany in the Bible: Anointing Jesus in John 12
Quick Summary
Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus’ feet with costly perfume in John 12, an act of devotion that symbolized love, gratitude, and preparation for his burial. Her gesture contrasts with Judas’ objection and highlights the depth of her discipleship.
Introduction
Few moments in the Gospel of John capture devotion and love as poignantly as Mary of Bethany’s anointing of Jesus in John 12. Just days before the crucifixion, she takes expensive perfume, pours it on Jesus’ feet, and wipes them with her hair. The fragrance fills the house, signaling that this act is more than a gesture of kindness—it is a profound statement of faith, love, and recognition of who Jesus truly is.
Bethany had just witnessed a miracle: Lazarus raised from the dead. The village, whose very name means “house of affliction,” had become the backdrop for life restored. Against that backdrop, Mary’s act is not simply generous—it is prophetic. The family is hosting a dinner for Jesus, a gesture of thanksgiving for Lazarus’ return to life, yet Mary sees more. She perceives that Jesus is heading toward his own death, and she acts accordingly.
This introduction sets the stage for one of the most powerful contrasts in John’s Gospel: Mary’s lavish love on the one hand, and Judas’ feigned concern on the other. Together they frame the question for readers: What does true discipleship look like?
Historical Background of Anointing
In the ancient world, anointing was multifaceted. A host might anoint a guest’s head with oil as a sign of welcome and honor. Kings and priests were anointed to set them apart for God’s service, as when Samuel anointed David (1 Samuel 16). And oil was used in burial customs, to honor the body and mask decay. Mary’s action contains echoes of all three. She honors Jesus as her guest, acknowledges him as king, and anticipates his burial.
Perfume made from pure nard was imported from India and extraordinarily costly. John emphasizes this detail to highlight Mary’s sacrifice—she offers what may have been her family’s most valuable possession. The timing matters as well: this occurs just before Passover, as pilgrims are flooding into Jerusalem and as the tension around Jesus is mounting (Carson, John 408). Her act is thus both deeply personal and tied to the larger story of salvation. Judas’ protest exposes the clash between authentic devotion and self-serving calculation.
Theological Significance
Theologically, Mary’s anointing reveals remarkable insight. Where the disciples often stumble to understand Jesus’ words, Mary seems to grasp what lies ahead. By anointing his feet, she anticipates the burial that will come within days (O’Day, John 12:192). Her action proclaims that Jesus is worthy of the most costly devotion because he himself will give everything.
Mary’s act also contrasts sharply with Judas. Judas cloaks greed in the language of charity, suggesting the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. John unmasks him as a thief (12:6). The contrast is theological as well as moral: Judas embodies false discipleship, while Mary embodies the costly, self-giving love that Jesus will soon call his followers to imitate (Köstenberger, John 364).
This story also points forward to the cross. What Mary does in love and gratitude foreshadows what Jesus will do for the world—pouring himself out, without calculation, for love’s sake.
Literary Features
John heightens this scene with symbolic richness. The costly perfume contrasts vividly with Judas’ greed. The fragrance filling the house echoes Old Testament images of God’s glory filling the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–35). The house becomes a sanctuary of devotion.
Mary’s use of her hair is shocking in cultural terms—women did not let down their hair in public. The gesture is intimate and humble. By wiping Jesus’ feet, she anticipates his own washing of the disciples’ feet in the next chapter. John places her ahead of the curve, modeling the servant love that Jesus will soon command of his followers (Brown, John 2:454).
The repeated mention of Lazarus in this chapter underscores the themes of life and death. The man raised from the tomb reclines at table with Jesus, while Mary prepares Jesus for his own burial. John’s careful contrasts remind readers that glory and death, love and sacrifice, are intertwined.
Implications for Understanding the Gospel of John
This passage sheds light on the heart of discipleship in John’s Gospel. Mary’s act shows that to follow Jesus is to respond with love and devotion, regardless of cost. Judas’ protest, by contrast, highlights unbelief and betrayal even within the circle of disciples. The narrative thus presses the reader to choose: Will you follow Mary’s path of devotion or Judas’ path of self-interest?
Mary’s anointing also strengthens the theme of Jesus’ glory revealed through his death. As the fragrance filled the house, so the cross will spread life to the world. This is not wasted extravagance—it is the essence of the Gospel.
John 12:1–8 Meaning for Today
For today’s church, Mary of Bethany stands as a model disciple. She shows that worship is not about efficiency but about love. Her perfume could have been sold; her hair could have remained in place. But she risked criticism, embarrassment, and financial loss to honor Jesus. True faith will sometimes look extravagant or even foolish to the world.
Mary also shows courage. In a culture where women were expected to remain in the background, she steps into the center of the room and makes a bold declaration of faith. She reminds us that discipleship often requires breaking with cultural norms in order to honor Christ.
Finally, Mary’s story confronts the voice of Judas in our own lives—the temptation to justify withholding devotion in the name of practicality. The Gospel calls us to reject such calculation and to give ourselves freely to Christ, who first gave himself freely for us.
FAQ
Why did Mary anoint Jesus with perfume?
Mary anointed Jesus as an act of devotion and preparation for his burial. John highlights her spiritual insight, showing she recognized what the disciples often missed—that Jesus’ death was near and that love was the proper response.
Why did Judas object to the anointing?
Judas objected by claiming the perfume should have been sold and given to the poor. However, John explains that Judas was not sincere but motivated by greed (John 12:6). His objection contrasts Mary’s sincerity with false piety.
What does this story teach about discipleship?
This passage teaches that discipleship is defined by love, not efficiency or calculation. Mary models wholehearted devotion, reminding believers that following Jesus means offering our best without fear of criticism.
Sources / Further Reading
Raymond Brown, John (AYB), vol. 2, pp. 454–456
D.A. Carson, John (PNTC), pp. 407–411
Gail O’Day, John (NIB), pp. 192–194
Craig Keener, John, vol. 2, pp. 867–870
Andreas Köstenberger, John (BECNT), pp. 363–366
