B-Side - Mark 14:1-11

Mark says this passage happens 2 days before the Passover... John says it's 6 days. Mark (like Luke) put together a thematically orderly account, not chronologically rigid.

There's a chiasm, centered on the woman's good work being beautiful. Its structure helps understand the perceived timing discrepancy. Mark's main point is shown in the chiasm: the beauty of the woman's good work vs the chief priests who are supposed to be the good example! He's showing us what true discipleship looks like.

Another apparent discrepancy: John only describes Jesus' feet being anointed, where Mark and Luke say His head (and it ran down to His feet).

v1-2... stealth: "deceit". Like Jacob deceiving his father. They want to arrest Jesus, but not in full view, lest the people riot, though Judas' timing threw things off; the Sanhedrin ended up with Jesus high and lifted up on Passover, for the world to see! It was VERY public. In trying to silence Him, they secured His victory!

v3... Bethany is 2 miles east of Jerusalem. Psalm 133:1 fellowship! Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha and Lazarus) poured out all the expensive ointment; it ran down His head and body to His feet. Washing His feet with her hair, she's saying her best parts aren't worthy of His dirtiest parts.

v4-5... some disciples ask, why was the ointment wasted?! It could have been used to provide for the poor, according to Judas. Some people think it's their business to tell others how to spend their money. This is an anointing for Jesus' burial. 

Nard is mentioned in the Song of Solomon. The woman anoints her lover; this is echoed here as Mary of Bethany loves Jesus. Song of Solomon ends with a woman searching a garden for her lost lover... When Jesus is resurrected, Mary is looking for him in the garden. It's all a picture of Jesus and the Church.

v6... Leave her alone! She's done a beautiful thing to me! Jesus is the defender of the true Church. Mary didn't need to defend herself; Jesus defended her, as He will do for us.

v7... Dt 15:11: He cares for the poor, but they'll always be there to take care of. He's only here for a short time longer. 

v8... she's done what she could, anointing Him for burial. Did Mary hear Jesus talk about his impending crucifixion? It's possible. Women in the gospel often had more spiritual insight than men.

v9... she's an example of the true Church! 

v10... Judas went to betray Him. And he plotted and planned it, which is more severe than simply sinning in the moment.

v11...when the other disciples heard Jesus's words, they rejoiced! But Judas sought an opportunity to betray Him.