Mark 14:5
“For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.”
Context: In this passage, we find ourselves in the context of Jesus’ final days before His crucifixion. Mark 14 describes the scene at Simon the leper’s house in Bethany, where Jesus is reclining at the table along with His disciples. During this gathering, a significant event takes place involving a woman.
The verse begins by mentioning that the woman has brought an expensive alabaster box of ointment. The ointment is described as being of great value, worth more than three hundred pence. In biblical times, a denarius was a typical day’s wage for a labourer, so three hundred pence would represent a substantial amount of money. The fact that the ointment is costly indicates its significance and the woman’s willingness to offer it.
However, instead of using the ointment for personal purposes or selling it for profit, the woman chooses to pour it on Jesus’ head. Her act can be seen as an expression of devotion, love, and reverence for Jesus. It demonstrates her deep respect and recognition of His divinity and the honour she attributes to Him.
Yet, the disciples react negatively to the woman’s actions. They “murmur against her,” expressing their discontent. One reason for their dissatisfaction may be their perception that the ointment was wasted instead of being sold and the money given to the poor. This perspective suggests that they considered the woman’s act as impractical and extravagant, overlooking its spiritual significance.
Jesus, however, intercedes on behalf of the woman and rebukes the disciples. In the following verses, Jesus explains that the woman’s action is a beautiful and fitting preparation for His burial. He commends her act, saying, “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying” (Mark 14:8, KJV). Jesus acknowledges the woman’s act of love and recognizes her for understanding the importance of His impending death and burial.
