The Different Gospel Accounts of the Anointing at Bethany

The Olivet Discourse directly proceeds both Matthews and Mark's accounts of the anointing at Bethany. Judas is reacting specifically to Jesus' praise of Mary and her butke of his own suggestion that the nard might be more sensibly disposed of. Her astonishing action so scandalous to Judas both provokes his betrayal and is contrasted with it. There is extravagant action, matched in the immense and costly quantity of burial spices used by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus in John 1939.