Who poured perfume on Jesus' feet, and what does this act symbolize?

The act of pouring perfume on Jesus' feet is a poignant and symbolically rich event recorded in the Gospels, specifically in the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This act is performed by a woman whose identity and the circumstances surrounding the event vary slightly between the different Gospel accounts. However, the essence of the act and its profound symbolism remain consistent and deeply meaningful.

In the Gospel of John, we read that Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is the one who anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume. The passage in John 12:1-3 (NIV) states:

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

In contrast, the Gospel of Luke presents a slightly different account where an unnamed sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet in the house of Simon the Pharisee. Luke 7:37-38 (NIV) narrates:

"A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them."

Despite these variations, the act of anointing Jesus' feet with perfume carries profound theological and symbolic significance, which can be explored through several key themes.

An Act of Worship and Devotion

First and foremost, the act of pouring perfume on Jesus' feet is an expression of deep worship and devotion. The perfume, described as "pure nard," was extremely costly, symbolizing the woman's willingness to offer something of great value to honor Jesus. This parallels the Old Testament practice of offering the best of one's possessions to God as a sacrifice, demonstrating reverence and commitment. In Mary’s case, her act of anointing Jesus is an intimate and personal form of worship, highlighting her recognition of Jesus' divine nature and her gratitude for His presence and miracles in her life.

Symbol of Repentance and Forgiveness

In Luke's account, the sinful woman’s actions are steeped in repentance and the seeking of forgiveness. Her tears, which mix with the perfume to wash Jesus' feet, signify her sorrow and remorse for her past sins. By wiping His feet with her hair, she humbles herself completely before Jesus, acknowledging her unworthiness and seeking His mercy. Jesus' response to her act is telling; He forgives her sins, emphasizing the boundless grace and forgiveness available through faith in Him. Luke 7:47-48 (NIV) captures this beautifully:

"Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. Then Jesus said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.'"

Preparation for Burial

The anointing also carries a prophetic element, particularly in the Gospel of John. Jesus Himself interprets Mary’s act as a preparation for His impending death and burial. In John 12:7 (NIV), Jesus says:

"'Leave her alone,' Jesus replied. 'It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.'"

In ancient Jewish customs, bodies were anointed with spices and perfumes as part of the burial process. By anointing Jesus, Mary unknowingly foreshadows His crucifixion and burial, underscoring the sacrificial nature of His mission on earth. This prophetic dimension adds a layer of solemnity and urgency to the narrative, reminding the readers of the impending sacrifice Jesus would make for humanity's redemption.

A Challenge to Social Norms

The act of anointing Jesus' feet also challenges the social norms and expectations of the time. In both accounts, the women break several social conventions: they enter a male-dominated space uninvited, they let down their hair in public (a sign of immodesty in that culture), and they touch a man who is not their relative. These actions would have been considered scandalous and inappropriate. However, Jesus' acceptance of their actions and His defense of them against criticism (as seen in John 12:4-8 and Luke 7:39-50) highlight His radical inclusivity and His willingness to honor genuine acts of love and devotion over rigid social customs.

Symbol of Extravagant Love

Additionally, the pouring of perfume represents extravagant love and generosity. The value of the perfume, as noted in the Gospels, was equivalent to a year's wages, making it an incredibly lavish gift. This act of pouring out something so precious without reservation mirrors the extravagant love that Jesus Himself demonstrates through His life and ministry. It serves as a reminder that true love for Jesus is not measured by the cost but by the heart and intention behind the act. This is evident in Jesus’ commendation of the woman’s actions, as seen in Mark 14:9 (NIV):

"Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

A Prelude to the Last Supper

Interestingly, the anointing of Jesus' feet can also be seen as a prelude to the Last Supper, where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. In John 13:1-17, Jesus takes on the role of a servant, washing His disciples' feet as an example of humility and service. The anointing by Mary or the sinful woman sets the stage for this act, emphasizing the themes of humility, service, and sacrificial love that are central to Jesus' teachings. By allowing His feet to be anointed, Jesus accepts the woman's service and, in turn, models this servant leadership to His disciples.

Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal

Lastly, the act of anointing Jesus' feet can be seen as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and renewal. Just as the perfume cleanses and refreshes, the act signifies the cleansing power of Jesus' forgiveness and the renewal that comes from a relationship with Him. The fragrance that fills the house serves as a metaphor for the pervasive and transformative impact of Jesus' love and grace in the lives of those who follow Him.

In conclusion, the act of pouring perfume on Jesus' feet, whether performed by Mary or the unnamed sinful woman, is a multifaceted event rich in symbolism. It represents worship, repentance, preparation for burial, a challenge to social norms, extravagant love, a prelude to the Last Supper, and spiritual cleansing. Each layer of meaning invites believers to reflect on their own relationship with Jesus, encouraging them to offer their best in worship, seek His forgiveness, and follow His example of humility and service. This powerful act, immortalized in the Gospels, continues to inspire and teach Christians about the depth of devotion and the transformative power of Jesus' love.