1. Anointing at Bethany (11:55-12:11)

The uncertainty did not last long; almost a week before his final Passover (cf. 2:13; 6:4), Jesus returned to Bethany, where he attended a dinner in his honor at the home of Lazarus (12:1-2). For the Synoptic parallels to the account that follows, see Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9; Lk 7:36-39.

The behavior of the sisters was characteristic (cf. Lk 10:38-40). Martha served; Mary performed an act of devotion at once lavish and extravagant (v.3). It was lavish because of the cost of the perfume: the equivalent of a year’s wages (300 denarii). It was extravagant in its humility.

To Judas’s reaction (vv.4-5) there were two responses. The Evangelist specifically impugns his motive (v.6). And Jesus defended Mary by balancing care for the poor, an ongoing concern, with care for the dead, by nature an immediate concern (vv.7-8). Both categories of good deeds were valued in Judaism.

The effects of the resurrection of Lazarus still lingered (vv.9-11).