Mark 14:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The evangelist notes that certain individuals were filled with anger. According to John, Judas was among those displeased (John 12:3-5). It is reasonable to assume that the other apostles may have criticized the woman as well, having frequently listened to Christ’s teachings on giving to the poor. However, Judas's rebuke was motivated not by the same convictions as his fellow apostles, but rather by his own avarice and a desire for dishonest gain. Consequently, John specifically mentions him as the one who reproached the woman with malevolent intent.

The other aspects presented in the account of the anointing with the precious oil appear to me to be beyond dispute. If both evangelists report the outrage of the disciples and John refers specifically to Judas, it suggests that the term disciples may, in fact, include Judas. This is similar to how Philip's inquiry during the feeding of the five thousand was expressed in the plural form. We could also infer that the remaining disciples may have reacted with indignation, either through their words or by aligning with Judas's sentiments. This collective disposition is what Matthew and Mark convey. However, it is clear that the disciples were compassionate toward the needy, while Judas was a thief; hence John focuses solely on the one whose avarice is particularly evident in this context.

What does Judas express? He questions the value of what he sees as a squandered resource. To him, the ointment appears wasted due to the shattered vessel, yet for us, it brings great benefit, as the anointing spreads across the entire world. Why do you, Judas, begrudge the breaking of the vessel? The Lord, who fashioned you and every nation, bestows this precious ointment upon all. Yet you desired for the ointment to stay contained within the vessel rather than be shared with others.

As the Lord journeyed from Jericho to Jerusalem, He needed to pass through Bethany, where He lingered for a moment. During this time, throngs of worshipers were making their way to Jerusalem, proclaiming the arrival of the awaited Messiah. It was likely the Sabbath, a day on which the people refrained from travel since Bethany exceeded the distance allowed for this holy day. This was six days prior to the Passover festival. In Bethany, the Lord shared a meal at the home of Simon, who had once suffered from leprosy. Following tradition, Martha was responsible for the meal's arrangements, while Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead, was present at the gathering.

The woman approached Jesus from behind, quickly breaking the neck of the alabaster jar and anointing His head with the costly perfume. The sweet aroma filled the room, leading some of those present, as noted in Mark 14:4, and according to Matthew, even Jesus' disciples, to murmur among themselves: "Why this extravagant waste? What could this possibly mean for someone like Jesus, who turned away from all earthly pleasures, lived in humility, and lacked a permanent dwelling? This valuable myrrh could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii! Would it not be more beneficial to use that money to assist the poor?"

It was an expression of profound love and remarkable self-sacrifice, and the humble Galileans who followed Christ, unaccustomed to luxury yet aware of the significance of such a gift, could only be astonished that such a precious offering was deemed squandered in an instant. Nevertheless, among them, Judas Iscariot felt a surge of irritation and resentment stirred by Mary’s noble act. His base character, which remained untouched by the kindness found in Christ's companionship, was already becoming conspicuous. Disillusioned by the lack of the rewards he anticipated from his association with Christ, he resorted to pilfering from the shared resources.

Some among them were offended: in the Gospel of Matthew, this refers to the disciples as a whole, while in John’s account, it singularly identifies Judas Iscariot. The contrasting perspectives of these accounts allow for the interpretation that a number of the disciples voiced their dissatisfaction regarding what they perceived as the extravagant use of the valuable and fragrant oil. However, it was notably Judas Iscariot, a keeper of the purse, who articulated his discontent, as explained by E. John’s insights.