blue




Two Different Anointings of Jesus

Some people compare the gospels and wrongly assume that two similar situations are the same event, when in fact they are not. When we compare Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we find two similar anointings of Jesus that took place in different cities in different homes with different people who had different reactions. The chart below explains the differences.

Luke 7:36-47 In Nain, sinner woman, in home of Simon the Pharisee, alabaster vial of perfume, washed His feet with tears, wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed His feet, anointed them with perfume. Simon looks down on her as a sinner. THIS EVENT IS FOUND ONLY IN LUKE and is not same event as Matt. 26, Mark 14, & John 12.
Matt. 26:6-13 Bethany, home of Simon the leper, woman with alabaster vial of very costly perfume, poured it on His head. Disciples get upset.
Mark 14:3-9 In Bethany, in home of Simon the leper, woman with alabaster vial of costly perfume, broke vial and poured it on His head. Some disciples get upset.
John 12:3-8 Mary of Bethany took a pound of costly perfume of pure nard, anointed His feet and wiped His feet with her hair. Judas gets upset.

"Sinner" Woman
Mary of Bethany
Luke 7
Matt 26, Mark 14, John 12
In Nain
In Bethany
Simon the Pharisee's house
Simon the leper's house
Poured on His feet
Poured on His head and feet
Washed feet with her tears
No mention of washing feet with tears
Wiped feet with her hair
Wiped feet with her hair
Simon sees the woman as sinful
Judas sees it as a waste of money


The differences:
1. Different people: "Sinner woman" and Mary of Bethany
2. Different cities: Nain and Bethany
3. Different homes: Pharisee and leper
4. Woman washes feet with tears, Mary of Bethany doesn't do this
5. Woman only pours on feet, Mary pours on head and feet
6. Different reactions: Simon sees the woman as sinful, Judas sees it as a waste of money


Bible Study

Home