Have you heard the story of The woman, the perfume (nard), Jesus... Ring any bells? What about the alabaster jar? Or the woman who wiped her tears on Jesus’ feet? Throughout the Gospels there are 4 similar accounts of a woman pouring something out on Jesus or a woman anointing Jesus with perfume, but the details vary. And sometimes people mix up the details. I can’t give you a solid answer but below I have created a very easy breakdown highlighting the important details of each event.
To be clear, some scholars disagree whether or not this was the same encounter poorly documented or completely separate events. Some think these were entirely different women, evenings and circumstances some think maybe the accounts have some overlap or maybe just the accounts in Matthew and Mark are the same… There are lots of opinions floating around about this. I am not here to give you mine (at least right now) I am here to help you get a handle on what happened.
Whether Jesus defended a woman once or twice or even four times the point remains the same: Jesus was quick to defend the dignity and generosity of women.
This is a starting spot for your own critical analysis and reflection of the text. Please subscribe if you enjoy the guide.
Scene #1
Matthew 26:6–13
What happens: An unnamed woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus’ head.
When: 2 days before Passover
Where: At Simon the leper’s house in Bethany
Who’s present: Jesus, some disciples, Simon
Response: Disciples criticize her for wasting money.
Jesus’ response: He defends her, saying she’s prepared His body for burial.
Her act is countercultural and bold, and Jesus promises it will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Her devotion contrasts the disciples’ lack of understanding.
Scene #2
Mark 14:3–9
What happens: An unnamed woman breaks an alabaster jar and pours perfume on Jesus’ head
When: 2 days before Passover
Where: At Simon the leper’s house in Bethany
Who’s present: Jesus and other guests
Response: Some criticize her harshly for wasting such expensive perfume.
Jesus’ response: He praises her act as preparation for His burial and says she did what she could.
Her intimate, extravagant act challenges social norms. Her insight and devotion contrast the indignant crowd’s focus on cost.
Scene #3
Luke 7:36–50
What happens: A sinful woman weeps, washes Jesus’ feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair, and anoints them with perfume.
When: Early *ish* in Jesus’ Galilean ministry, at Simon the Pharisee’s house.
Where: At Simon the Pharisee’s house, earlier in Jesus’ ministry.
Who’s present: Jesus, Simon, other guests.
Response: Simon judges Jesus for allowing a sinful woman to touch Him.
Jesus’ response: He tells a parable about forgiveness, honors the woman’s love, and forgives her sins.
Her act is socially shocking and deeply vulnerable. Jesus contrasts her genuine devotion with Simon’s cold hospitality.
Scene #4
John 12:1–8
What happens: Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair.
When: 6 days before Passover
Where: At a dinner in Bethany
Who’s present: Jesus, Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Judas, and others.
Response: Judas Iscariot objects, claiming the perfume should’ve been sold for the poor.
Jesus’ response: He defends Mary, saying she’s prepared Him for burial.
Mary’s humble, intimate act contrasts Judas’ hypocrisy and greed. Her posture of devotion defies social expectations and anticipates Jesus’ death.
This is one of those funny things in scripture that seems so similar it’s almost hard to believe it happened more than once. Perhaps Jesus just wanted to emphasize just how much he was willing to allow women to be involved in His ministry. In each account, people criticize the woman’s act, but Jesus defends her. He calls it a beautiful and prophetic gesture, preparing Him for burial. In Luke, He also highlights her deep love and forgiven sin. Jesus was always on defense for these women and always allowing them to be part of the story.
“Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26:13