What is the Anointing at Bethany?

• A. A ritual washing of feet.
• B. A woman pours expensive oil over Jesus, signaling burial preparation.
• C. Jesus anoints the disciples with oil.
• D. Anointing of the tomb by the women.

Answer: (B)

Anointing at Bethany is the moment when a woman pours expensive oil on Jesus as a gesture of honor that also signals his forthcoming burial. The oil, costly spikenard, underscores the depth of devotion and the gravity of what is about to happen. Jesus interprets the act as preparation for his death, saying that she has anointed his body for burial, and in some accounts even notes that wherever the gospel is proclaimed, this deed will be told. This event foregrounds Jesus’ identity as the Messiah who must suffer and die, tying royal honor to the suffering he’s about to endure. It happens in Bethany, near Jerusalem, just before Holy Week, making it a key moment that links recognition of Jesus with the anticipation of the cross. The other familiar acts—foot washing at the Last Supper, Jesus anointing the disciples, or the tomb anointing after the resurrection—are separate events and not what this scene depicts.