The anointing of Jesus: variances in the gospels
John’s account of the anointing of the Lord differs from that of Matthew and Mark, and they all differ from Luke. See Mt. 26:6-13; Mk. 14:3-9; Lk. 7:36-50; Jn. 12:1-8. See also R.H. Lightfoot’s Commentary, pp. 247-249.
|
Matthew |
Mark |
Luke |
John |
Who? |
An unnamed woman (26:7) |
An unnamed woman (14:3) |
An unnamed woman of ill repute (7:37) |
Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus (12:3) |
What? |
Anoints Jesus’ head |
Anoints Jesus’ head |
Anoints Jesus’ feet with ointment and tears |
Anoints Jesus’ feet with costly ointment |
Where? |
Simon the Leper’s house in Bethany |
Simon the Leper’s house in Bethany |
Simon the Pharisee’s house |
Probably home of Lazarus and his sisters |
When? |
After Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem; two days before Passover |
After Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem; two days before Passover |
Long before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem |
Before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem; six days before Passover |
Objection by? |
Some of the disciples |
Some of those present |
Simon the Pharisee |
Judas Iscariot |
Basis of objection? |
Extravagance, waste |
Extravagance, waste |
Contamination of Jesus by a “sinner” |
Extravagance, waste |