Mark 14:7 Commentary and Bible Study

The disciples failed to see the special nature of this occasion, but Mary saw it. She was right and they were wrong. She was right even though she was spending the equivalent of nearly a whole year’s wages on her Lord in a single act of devotion. He was worthy of it, and her love for him taught her this. We saw the evidence that the disciples were in the habit of giving to the poor regularly, but what was the occasion which had led Mary to give? It was the imminent death of the Lord and this was a never to be repeated opportunity. To have missed this and to have spent the money for the poor instead, would have been to completely misjudge the relative importance of the two things. The disciples didn't understand it. They didn't stand with him. Most of them would run away when he went to Calvary. Peter to his shame would deny him. Only Mary of Bethany made this great act. It was an act of genius. She was very thoughtful. ‘What can I do which shows my love and dedication. I’ve got this box, this vase, this sealed jar of pure nard, a year's wages. I’ll give it all. I will humble myself. I will go and anoint him.’ It said to the Lord, ‘I understand what you are doing, for me and for millions. I won’t be able to anoint your body. I do something better. I anoint you now, as if I anointed your body. I pour out my love and dedication.’