Strong’s Greek 1780 points to the act of anointing a body for burial. In the New Testament it appears only twice, each time linked with an extraordinary display of love for Jesus Christ just days before His crucifixion. The word therefore gathers around itself ideas of reverence for the Messiah, anticipation of His atoning death, and faith in the promised resurrection.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Mark 14:8 – “She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial.”
2. John 12:7 – “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She was intended to keep this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.”

Both references revolve around Mary of Bethany’s costly offering (John 12:3) and the indignation of onlookers who failed to perceive its prophetic importance. Jesus interprets her act as a deliberate preparation for His burial, underscoring the immediacy of His approaching death.

Historical Background: Jewish Burial Customs

First-century Jews normally washed the corpse, wrapped it tightly in linen, and covered it with aromatic spices (John 19:39-40). These practices helped mask decay, honored the deceased, and expressed hope in the final resurrection (Daniel 12:2). Unlike Egyptian embalming, the Jewish rite emphasized respect rather than preservation. Because death rendered a person ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:11), the care given to a body also demonstrated costly love; the community willingly risked defilement for the sake of honor. Mary’s action pre-empted these customs and thus anticipated what Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus would complete after the crucifixion (John 19:38-40).

Theological Significance in the Passion Narrative

1. Confirmation of the Gospel: Paul lists Christ’s burial as integral to the gospel tradition delivered “as of first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The two anointings signal that the burial is sure to follow the death.
2. Prophetic Fulfillment: Isaiah foretold that the Suffering Servant would be “assigned a grave with the wicked, but with the rich in His death” (Isaiah 53:9). The loving preparation of His body aligns with that prophecy.
3. Revelation of Christ’s Person: Only someone recognized as the Messiah-King could legitimately receive such lavish honor (compare the royal anointing of Psalm 45:7). Mary’s act testifies to her insight that Jesus is the awaited Redeemer.
4. Foreshadowing Resurrection: Her preparation, though sincere, will prove temporary, for the tomb will be vacated on the third day (Matthew 28:6). The fleeting usefulness of the spices highlights the victory over death.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Extravagant Devotion: Mary’s sacrifice of a year’s wages in perfume models wholehearted worship that disregards cost (Romans 12:1).
• Discernment of the Times: While other disciples debated financial stewardship, Mary recognized a unique, unrepeatable moment of redemptive history. Believers are urged to seize God-given opportunities for service (Ephesians 5:15-16).
• Preparation for Suffering: The early church learned that honoring Christ often involves nearness to His sufferings (Philippians 3:10). Caring for the persecuted and the dying continues that pattern today.
• Proclamation of the Gospel: Jesus declared, “Wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” (Mark 14:9). Acts of sacrificial love remain a powerful testimony accompanying the preached Word.

Eschatological Perspective

Christ’s burial confirms the reality of His death, while His resurrection secures believers’ future bodily resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Every burial service conducted in Christian hope stands on the pattern established in the garden tomb. The perfume once poured out has long since dissipated, but its fragrance lingers in the promise that death will finally be “swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54).

Worship and Devotional Reflections

Meditating on Mary’s anointing invites believers to examine the sincerity and costliness of their own worship. Her silent act speaks louder than many sermons: Christ is worthy of the finest gift, even when the world calls it waste (Mark 14:4-5). As the church gathers at the Lord’s Table and proclaims His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26), the memory of this burial preparation encourages reverence, gratitude, and anticipation of His return.