Worthiness of Christ and Preparation for Burial
True worship values Christ above material cost and honors His redemptive mission.
Mark 14:3–9 (BSB)
3 While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.
4 Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume?
5 It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.
7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.
8 She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial.
9 And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
What is the big idea of Mark 14:3–9?
True worship values Christ above material cost and honors His redemptive mission.
How does Mark 14:3–9 point to Christ?
The woman’s anointing anticipates Christ’s sacrificial death; through His burial and resurrection, redemption is secured and proclaimed to all nations.
Authorial Intent
To highlight true devotion to Christ in preparation for His burial and within the context of the gospel proclamation.
Chapter: Mark 14
The Son of Man Handed Over: Anointing, Supper, Gethsemane, Betrayal, Trial, and Denial
Jesus willingly enters betrayal, abandonment, anguish, false trial, and condemnation as the Scripture-fulfilling Son of Man whose body and blood establish the covenant for many, while human hearts are exposed through devotion, treachery, weakness, denial, and unbelief.