The story of the precious ointment box – कीमती मरहम के डिब्बे की कहानी
The story of the “Box of Precious Ointment,” also known as the “Anointing of Jesus,” appears in different forms across all four Gospels in the New Testament (Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50, and John 12:1-8). Although the details vary slightly between the accounts, the core theme revolves around a woman who anoints Jesus with expensive ointment or perfume as an act of devotion and love.
In the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, the event takes place in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper. While Jesus is reclining at the table, a woman (who remains unnamed in these accounts) approaches him with an alabaster jar or box of very expensive ointment, often identified as pure nard. Without hesitation, she breaks open the jar and pours the ointment on Jesus’ head.
The disciples, or specifically some of them, react with indignation, questioning why the ointment was wasted in this way. They argue that it could have been sold for a large sum of money and given to the poor. However, Jesus defends the woman, stating that she has done a beautiful thing for him. He explains that the poor will always be present, but he will not be. He further adds that she has anointed his body beforehand for burial. Jesus concludes by saying that wherever the Gospel is preached in the world, this woman’s act will be remembered.
In the Gospel of Luke, the story takes on a slightly different form. Here, the event occurs at the house of a Pharisee named Simon (a different Simon from the one mentioned in Matthew and Mark). During the meal, a woman described as a “sinner” in the town enters the house with an alabaster jar of ointment. She stands behind Jesus, weeping, and begins to wet his feet with her tears. She wipes his feet with her hair, kisses them, and then anoints them with the ointment.
The Pharisee, Simon, silently judges Jesus, thinking to himself that if Jesus were truly a prophet, he would know what kind of woman was touching him. Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, tells him a parable about two debtors who are forgiven their debts—one small and one large. Jesus asks Simon which debtor would love the lender more. Simon correctly answers that the one forgiven the larger debt would love more.
Jesus then contrasts Simon’s lack of hospitality with the woman’s actions, highlighting her love and devotion. He tells Simon that her many sins have been forgiven because she loved much, and he tells the woman, “Your sins are forgiven” and “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
In the Gospel of John, the anointing occurs six days before the Passover at the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here, the woman is identified as Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha. Mary takes a pound of costly ointment made of pure nard and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. The house is filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
In this account, it is Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would later betray Jesus, who objects to the “waste” of the ointment. He argues that it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, the Gospel of John reveals Judas’s true intentions, noting that he was a thief and used to steal from the common purse. Jesus rebukes Judas, saying, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.” He echoes the sentiment from the other accounts, stating, “The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
The woman’s act of anointing Jesus with costly ointment represents an extravagant expression of love and devotion. Her willingness to use something so valuable for Jesus emphasizes the importance of worship and honor.
In multiple accounts, Jesus interprets the anointing as preparation for his upcoming death and burial, symbolizing the recognition of his sacrificial role.
In Luke’s account, the story emphasizes forgiveness and redemption, as the “sinful” woman receives Jesus’ forgiveness because of her faith and love.
The story contrasts the disciples’ or Judas’s focus on material value (selling the ointment for money) with the spiritual significance of honoring Jesus.
Jesus declares that this woman’s act of devotion will be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached, ensuring that her story becomes a lasting example of faith and love.
The story of the “Box of Precious Ointment” is often celebrated in Christian art and tradition, symbolizing deep love, humility, and the acknowledgment of Jesus’ sacrificial mission.
The story of the precious ointment box – कीमती मरहम के डिब्बे की कहानी
