7:36-39 When was this anointing of Jesus and who was the woman?
7:36-39 When was this anointing of Jesus and who was the woman?
This was the first of Jesus' three anoitings by women recorded in Scripture and happened early in Jesus' earthly ministry, at Nain (cp Lk 7:11-15). Lk 7:36-39 is the only record of this anointing and it is not known who the woman was - there is nothing in Scripture to identify her.
Some think it was Mary Magdalene because she is mentioned in Lk 8:1-3, but that is no proof, suffice it to say she showed her love for Jesus by what she did and Jesus forgave her sins (cp Lk 7:40-50). This woman anointed Jesus' feet. Mary, the sister of Lazarus who Jesus raised up from the dead, also anointed His feet, six days before He was betrayed (cp Jn 11:1-2; 12:1-8). This is the second recorded anointing of Jesus by women in Scripture.
The third and final anointing took place in Simon the leper's house, also in Bethany, two days before Jesus was betrayed. It is recorded by both Matthew and Mark which we studied earlier, but let us look at them again (cp Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:1-9). See also comments on Mt 26:6-13.