Sacrifice. Love. Adoration. These are just a few words that describe the hours or days leading up to the quiet moment when, just days before Jesus’s Crucifixion, a woman from Bethany entered a place where He was visiting—the home of Simon the leper (Mark 14:1, 3, New International Version). She came with one purpose: to honor the Savior.

This woman’s actions are ones Jesus said would be remembered (see Mark 14:9, NIV). She entered Simon’s house holding a precious alabaster jar filled with expensive oil. Her heart bursting, she broke the jar and poured expensive perfume upon Jesus’s head in an act of veneration. Some present harshly criticized her, but the Savior’s response was gentle and powerful:

Here are a few takeaways we can learn from her valiant example.

This woman didn’t come to ask Jesus for anything. She came to give. Her story stands in sharp contrast to those around it.

In Mark 14, the Gospel writer uses a literary technique often called a “Markan sandwich.” This means one story is placed in the middle of another, like the “meat” between two slices of “bread.” The middle story carries the main message.

Here, the woman’s act of devotion is the “meat,” placed between two darker stories: first, the religious leaders plotting to capture and kill Jesus (verses 1–2), and next, Judas seeking to betray Him (verses 10–11). The Jewish leaders and Judas demonstrate greed and selfishness, but this woman shows pure love and worship (verses 3–9).

The contrast is striking. While others were asking, What can I get from Jesus? she was asking, What can I give to Him?

There is an appropriate time to bring our requests to God. Jesus Himself said, “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7, NIV), and “I will do whatever you ask in my name” (John 14:13, NIV).

It’s good to recognize what He gives us: blessings like forgiveness, peace, and strength. But if our prayers only focus on what we receive, we may miss the deeper joy of simply worshiping Him, of coming before Him, the Anointed One, with hearts full of love and gratitude.

This woman’s example challenges me to shift from petition to praise. I can ask myself: What can I offer to the Lord? How can I show my love for Him?

The Savior’s response to her critics offers deeply personal reassurance: “She did what she could.” Not what someone else could; not more than she had the capacity to give; not what those around thought she could.

When we are tempted to judge others or even ourselves too harshly for not doing “enough,” we might do well to remember that the Savior was quick to defend the woman’s sincere effort.

Remembering this story brings peace. In moments when I feel overwhelmed, imperfect, or unsure if my offering is good enough, the Lord’s words remind me that He sees and receives my heartfelt offerings with love.

Imagine the strength of a ward, branch, or home where each person does “what they can” as an expression of love for the Savior—no comparison, no criticism, no perfectionism. Just honest offerings to the Lord as part of simple, sincere discipleship.

In our lives, we may not understand the influence of our efforts. My devotion to the Savior is often expressed through spending time with Him, learning about Him, and doing quiet acts of love that often go unseen.

These offerings may not be perfect or public, but when our hearts are focused on the Savior, He sees us. How wonderful that the God we worship recognizes, accepts, and validates our expressions of love. No wonder Jesus called it a “beautiful thing.”

The woman in Bethany didn’t need to be noticed. She simply acted from a place of love. She may not have fully understood the significance of her timing, but the Lord did. He declared that her offering was in preparation for His burial. She was fulfilling a prophecy, even if she didn’t realize it.

Every time we tell her story and strive to follow her example, we fulfill Jesus’s words. As He foretold, “Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:9, NIV).

We can remember this woman anytime of the year, but her example is especially important to keep in mind during the Easter season, as her story falls two days before Passover during Holy Week.

When we think of the symbols of Easter—such as the cross, the empty tomb, and the folded linen—we might also include a small jar, a vial of perfume, or an image representing this woman. Such items can remind us that worshiping the Lord is not about grand gestures, but about lovingly offering our best.

As you reflect on her story, you might consider the following questions:

More articles for you:
▶ Palm Sunday: Do you know these 5 symbols?
▶ Finding the joy in Good Friday’s sorrow
▶ Recognizing Christ—3 lessons from witnesses of His Resurrection

Reflect on His love

Keep your focus on the Savior with this beautiful set of mini prints from the best-selling book Expressions of Jesus. The portraits are ideal for gifting, framing, or displaying in your home for personal inspiration.

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