John 12:3

Then tooke Mary a pound of ointment, of Spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Iesus, & wiped his feet with her haire: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:3 (KJV)

Let’s dive into a Bible study on John 12:3, using the King James Version (KJV) translation. This verse takes place during a significant event in the life of Jesus, shortly before His crucifixion.

Context: To understand the significance of this verse, it’s essential to consider its context. In the preceding verses, Jesus arrives in Bethany, where Lazarus had been raised from the dead by Jesus. A dinner is held in Jesus’ honour in Bethany.

Mary’s act of devotion: The verse begins by stating that Mary, the sister of Lazarus, took a pound of ointment of spikenard. Spikenard was a fragrant oil extracted from the root of a plant and was considered expensive. Mary then anoints the feet of Jesus with this costly ointment. This act was a significant display of love, humility, and worship toward Jesus.

Wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair: In an act of further humility and reverence, Mary wipes Jesus’ feet with her hair. This was culturally unconventional, as women in that society typically kept their hair covered. Mary’s action demonstrates her willingness to humble herself before Jesus and show deep respect and adoration.

The fragrance fills the house: As Mary anoints Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair, the fragrance of the ointment fills the entire house. The aroma leaves a tangible impact on the atmosphere, symbolising the sweetness and beauty of Mary’s worship and the love poured out for Jesus.

Symbolism and significance: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair carries deep symbolism. It represents devotion, humility, and sacrificial love. Her action foreshadows Jesus’ impending death and burial, since anointing with oil was associated with preparing a body for burial. Some readers understand this as a prophetic picture of Jesus’ death, though the KJV does not record Jesus explicitly saying this (John 12:7).

Lessons and application: This passage teaches several valuable lessons. It emphasizes the importance of expressing our love and devotion to Jesus through acts of worship and self‑less service. It reminds us to approach Jesus humbly, recognising His worthiness and our need for His forgiveness and grace. Mary’s example challenges us to give our best, even when it involves personal sacrifice, and to prioritise our relationship with Jesus above all else.