Enduring Criticism in Women’s Ministry

Many Biblical events include the use of oils, but few are more memorable than Mary’s anointing of Jesus in Bethany as told in Mark 14:3-9. Why were her actions so meaningful to Jesus, and what does her story tell us about women’s ministry?

Just days before His crucifixion, Jesus was having supper with some of His followers when Mary burst in and poured a flask of fragrant oil over Jesus’ head. The other guests scolded her wastefulness as the smell of a year’s worth of wages dripping to the floor filled the room. But Jesus rebuked them, and said her deed would be remembered forever, wherever the gospel is told.

Why was Mary’s gift so meaningful to Jesus, and what does her story tell those of us who are running a women’s ministry? Let’s go through the story together and find out.