Mark 14:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The remaining elements in the account of the anointing with the precious oil should not be disputed. If both Matthew and Mark recount the displeasure of all the disciples while John mentions only Judas, it may suggest that by the term disciples, the evangelists were including Judas. This is similar to how Philip’s inquiry during the feeding of the five thousand was presented in the plural rather than the singular. It is also plausible that the other disciples felt the same indignation, whether by expressing it or by siding with Judas' remarks. This overall sentiment is what Matthew and Mark intended to convey. However, the disciples had a genuine concern for the less fortunate, whereas Judas was known for his dishonesty, prompting John to single out the one whose avarice is particularly highlighted in this instance.

As the Lord traveled from Jericho to Jerusalem, He had to pass through Bethany. He paused here because many worshippers were arriving in Jerusalem, announcing that the long-awaited Messiah was approaching. It was likely the Sabbath, which meant the people were not allowed to work, as Bethany was over the Sabbath limit from Jerusalem. This took place six days before the Passover. During His time in Bethany, He dined at the home of Simon, once a leper. Martha, adhering to tradition, managed the preparations for the meal. Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead, joined them at the table. The Evangelist may have mentioned him to affirm his complete health or to highlight the significance of having this guest from the realm of the dead present.

The woman approached Jesus from behind and quickly broke the slender neck of the alabaster container, pouring the valuable ointment over His head. The sweet fragrance permeated the space, prompting some attendees to murmur among themselves, as noted in Mark 14:4. According to Matthew, it was Jesus' own disciples who questioned, "Why such a extravagant waste? What could this mean for Jesus, who was devoid of all luxuries, lived humbly, and had no stable dwelling? This precious myrrh could have fetched more than three hundred denarii! Would it not have been wiser to donate this sum to the needy?"

Christ, filled with sorrow, recognized Judas' deceitful and greedy intentions, yet this time He addressed him indirectly, defending Mary, who had already faced unjust criticism. "Why do you trouble this woman?" He asked. "Let her be; she has performed a beautiful act for Me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me." She has reserved this ointment for the day of My burial. He further declared a prophecy, which has been remarkably fulfilled throughout the ages, that wherever the Gospel is proclaimed, her deed will be remembered with reverence.

"For more than three hundred denarii": a denarius is approximately twenty k. ser. and three hundred denarii equates to around sixty roubles ser., which constitutes a significant amount for the humble and impoverished community of Christ. "They murmured against her," meaning the woman who had anointed the Lord, thereby indirectly expressing dissatisfaction with the Lord Himself, who allowed her to make such a lavish offering and accepted her anointing. Lacking comprehension of the profound importance of the woman's act, the disciples were undoubtedly aware that they had no justification for resenting or complaining about her, since the ointment was her own, and she owed no explanation regarding its use to anyone but God. Even less could they express discontent towards the Lord Himself, as they had witnessed much of His divine wisdom in the way He handled the resources of life.