John 12:1–9

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

12:1–8Ref—Mt 26:6–13; Mk 14:3–9; Lk 7:37–39

12 Six days before the Passover,h Jesus came to Bethany,i where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served,j while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pinta of pure nard, an expensive perfume;k she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.l And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him,m objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.b” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag,n he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.o 8 You will always have the poor among you,c p but you will not always have me.”

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.q