Mark 14:6

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

Mark 14:6 (KJV)

Context

This verse takes place in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper, during the final week before Jesus’ crucifixion. A woman pours costly ointment, identified as spikenard, on Jesus’ head. Some present, including the disciples, criticize her action as wasteful, arguing that the ointment could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.

Meaning

Jesus responds by defending the woman: “Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.” His command to “let her alone” is a direct rebuke to those who were troubling or grieving her by charging her with imprudence and extravagance. He identifies her act not as waste, but as a “good work” performed on Him. Jesus recognizes and appreciates her anointing as an expression of devotion and love.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in Matthew 26:10 records Jesus saying, “Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me,” where He is described as being aware of the disciples’ indignation. The immediate context in Mark 14:8 clarifies the meaning of her “good work“: “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.” Her act was a preparation for Jesus’ burial, a deed of profound devotion and prophetic significance. Anointing was a practice commonly associated with the consecration of kings and priests in the Old Testament. Through her act, the woman acknowledges Jesus’ royal and divine status as the Messiah, the anointed One.

Application

Mark 14:6 teaches several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the significance of expressing our devotion to Jesus. Like the woman, we should seek to honor Him with our actions, acknowledging His divine authority and significance in our lives. Secondly, the verse highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating acts of worship and devotion by fellow believers. Rather than criticizing or trivializing their expressions of faith, we should encourage and support one another in our pursuit of a deeper relationship with Christ. Lastly, Jesus’ words remind us that our devotion to Him and our acts of worship should take precedence over worldly concerns. While caring for the poor is indeed important, Jesus affirms that devotion to Him should not be hindered by materialistic thinking or human judgments. Jesus’ defense of the woman also establishes a principle of discernment: not every act of apparent waste is truly wasteful when done for Him.

Reflection

The woman’s action is a model of wholehearted devotion, and Jesus’ response shows His care for her and His affirmation of her faith. Her act of worship was acceptable to Him, even when misunderstood by others. This narrative encourages believers to express costly, sacrificial devotion to Christ, trusting that He sees and honors such acts, even when they appear impractical to onlookers.