Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 14:8

"She hath done what she could; she hath anointed my body beforehand for the burying." — Mark 14:8 (ASV)

Jesus rushed to Mary’s defense. Her action of anointing Jesus with a bottle of expensive perfume was a beautiful expression of her love and devotion to him, and she should not be berated. In addition he would not be with them very long, and time for such expression of love while he was still here was running out. In contrast, opportunities for helping the poor would continue. (Jesus often expressed concern for the needs of the poor: cf. Matthew 5:3; 6:2–4; 19:21; Lk 6:20, 36-38; 21:1–4; Jn 13:29.)

Mary’s act was also interpreted by Jesus as an anointing of his body beforehand in preparation for his burial. Was Mary aware of this aspect of what she was doing? Probably not, but it is possible that she had a greater sensitivity to what was about to happen to Jesus than the Twelve did (cf. her attention to Jesus in Lk 10:34). Jesus’ statement serves as yet another prediction of his passion.