Jesus Anointed at Bethany

(Matthew 26:6–13; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8)

3 While [Jesus] was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper,[fn] a woman came [with] an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar [and] poured [it] on [Jesus’] head.

4 Some [of] those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another and said,[fn] “Why this waste of perfume? 5 [It] could have been sold for over three hundred denarii[fn] and [the money] given to the poor.” And they scolded her.

6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. 7 The poor you will always have with you,[fn] and you can help them whenever you want. But {you will} not always have Me. 8 She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of [My] burial. 9 And truly I tell you, wherever this gospel[fn] is preached in all the world, what [she] has done will also be told in memory of her.”