But Jesus said,In this passage, Jesus speaks directly, indicating His authority and the importance of His words. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often addresses misunderstandings or criticisms from His disciples or others, emphasizing His role as a teacher and leader. This moment is significant as it highlights His defense of an act of devotion.
“Leave her alone;
Jesus commands those present to stop criticizing the woman. This reflects His protective nature and His recognition of sincere worship. In the cultural context, women were often marginalized, and Jesus' defense of her underscores His revolutionary approach to social norms and His inclusive ministry.
why are you bothering her?
This rhetorical question challenges the disciples' understanding of what is appropriate. It suggests that their focus is misplaced, and it invites them to reconsider their priorities. The question also highlights the tension between societal expectations and genuine acts of faith.
She has done a beautiful deed to Me.
Jesus acknowledges the woman's action as a "beautiful deed," which contrasts with the disciples' perception of waste. This phrase emphasizes the value of sacrificial giving and devotion. The act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume can be seen as a prophetic gesture, foreshadowing His burial. It also connects to the broader biblical theme of worship and sacrifice, reminiscent of the offerings in the Old Testament that were pleasing to God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to criticism directed at a woman who anointed Him with expensive perfume. His defense of her actions highlights His understanding and appreciation of her devotion.
2.
The WomanAlthough unnamed in this passage, she is identified in other Gospels as Mary of Bethany. Her act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume is an expression of deep love and worship.
3.
DisciplesPresent during this event, some of the disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, criticize the woman for what they perceive as wastefulness.
4.
BethanyThe village where this event takes place, Bethany is located near Jerusalem and is a place where Jesus often stayed.
5.
The House of Simon the LeperThe setting for this event, indicating a place of hospitality and perhaps a reminder of Jesus' healing ministry.
Teaching Points
The Value of WorshipJesus' response underscores the importance of worship and devotion. Acts of love and worship, even if misunderstood by others, are precious to God.
Understanding True WorthThe woman's use of expensive perfume illustrates that true worth is not in material possessions but in how they are used to honor God.
Defending the FaithfulJesus' defense of the woman teaches us to stand up for those who are sincerely serving God, even when they face criticism.
Prioritizing Spiritual Over MaterialThis passage challenges us to evaluate our priorities, ensuring that our actions reflect a heart devoted to Christ rather than material concerns.
The Beauty of SacrificeThe woman's sacrifice is described as "beautiful," reminding us that sacrificial acts done in love for Christ are beautiful in His sight.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 14:6?
2.How does Mark 14:6 demonstrate Jesus' defense of sincere acts of worship?
3.What can we learn about valuing others' intentions from Mark 14:6?
4.How does Mark 14:6 connect to Jesus' teachings on love and sacrifice?
5.How can we apply Jesus' response in Mark 14:6 to our daily lives?
6.In what ways does Mark 14:6 challenge us to prioritize spiritual over material concerns?
7.Why did Jesus defend the woman's actions in Mark 14:6?
8.How does Mark 14:6 challenge traditional views on worship and devotion?
9.What cultural norms were defied by the woman's actions in Mark 14:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 14?
11.What is the main theme of The Alabaster Box?
12.How did Jesus interact with women?
13.Did Herod think that Jesus was John the Baptist? Yes (Matthew 14:2; Mark 6:16) No (Luke 9:9)
14.How did the disciples react when Jesus walked on water? They worshipped him as the Son of God (Matthew 14:33) but were astounded and didn't understand (Mark 6:51-52).What Does Mark 14:6 Mean
But Jesus saidThe Lord steps in just as the murmuring of some disciples reaches its peak (Mark 14:4-5). His words carry the same unmistakable authority that once silenced storms (Mark 4:39) and demons (Mark 1:25).
• Jesus regularly intervenes to defend the humble and overlooked—think of the sinful woman inLuke 7:44-48 or the adulterous woman inJohn 8:7-11.
• His speech not only corrects human criticism; it reorients everyone to God’s viewpoint.Matthew 7:29 reminds us that He “taught as one who had authority,” and that same authority now shields Mary of Bethany.
Leave her aloneThis brief command is both rebuke and protection. The Lord puts a literal boundary around Mary’s act of devotion.
• By saying “leave her alone,” He exposes the disciples’ misplaced priorities (cf.Matthew 26:10, the parallel account).
• It’s a call to cease judgmental attitudes;Romans 14:4 asks, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?”
• Note the tenderness: Jesus is never indifferent when criticism discourages sincere worship. As He shielded Mary of Bethany, He still protects believers who honor Him today (Psalm 27:10).
Why are you bothering her?A probing question, not for information but conviction.
• Jesus draws attention to heart motives, echoing1 Samuel 16:7: “Man does not see as God sees… the LORD sees the heart.”
• Criticism often hides self-interest or spiritual blindness.James 4:11-12 warns against speaking evil of one another for precisely this reason.
• Christ invites His followers to pause and examine why we find fault with others’ service. Are we defending the poor, or simply irritated that worship interrupts our agendas?
She has done a beautiful deed to Me.The Lord’s verdict on Mary’s act is lavish praise: “beautiful,” literally “good—noble—excellent.”
• Worship that costs something is never wasted.John 12:3 details the costly nard poured out;Mark 14:8 adds, “She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial.”
• The fragrance filled the house then, and her story fills the globe now (Matthew 26:13). What looks extravagant to man is prized by God.
• Paul later calls the Philippians’ generosity “a fragrant offering… well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). Every sacrificial act for Christ carries that same aroma.
• The Lord links beauty to devotion, not efficiency. Unlike the disciples’ pragmatic objections, Jesus sees worship as inherently valuable (Hebrews 13:15-16).
summaryIn one sentence Jesus silences critics, shields a worshiper, exposes motives, and celebrates sacrificial love.Mark 14:6 reminds us to heed His authoritative correction, to stop stifling heartfelt devotion, to search our own intentions, and to esteem any act done for Him as truly beautiful.
(6)
She hath wrought a good work on me.--"Good" in the sense of "noble," as implying the higher form of goodness. The use of the word here is peculiar to St. Mark.
Verse 6. - It appears from St. John (
John 12:7) that our Lord here addressed himself pointedly to Judas in the words,
Let her alone;... she hath wrought a good
work on me, a work worthy of all praise and honor. "What," says Cornelius a Lapide, "what more noble, than to anoint the feet of him who is both God and man? Who would not count himself happy, if it were permitted to him to touch the feet of Jesus and to kiss them?"
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.said,εἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“Leave her alone;Ἄφετε(Aphete)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 863:From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.whyτί(ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.are you botheringπαρέχετε(parechete)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3930:From para and echo; to hold near, i.e. Present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion.her?αὐτῇ(autē)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.She has doneἠργάσατο(ērgasato)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2038:To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor.a beautifulκαλὸν(kalon)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2570:Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.deedἔργον(ergon)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2041:From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.toἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.Me.ἐμοί(emoi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
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NT Gospels: Mark 14:6 But Jesus said Leave her alone (Mar Mk Mr)