Who Cleaned Jesus With Her Hair? The Story of Mary Magdalene
The poignant image of a woman anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wiping them with her hair is a powerful scene found in the Gospels. Many people wonder, "Who cleaned Jesus with her hair?" The answer, according to the Gospel of John, is Mary Magdalene.
The Anointing at Bethany
This significant event takes place in the Gospel of John, chapter 12, verses 1 through 8. Jesus is at the home of Lazarus, whom He had recently raised from the dead, in Bethany. Martha, Lazarus' sister, is serving, while Lazarus himself is among those reclining at the table with Jesus. It is here that Mary Magdalene makes her entrance.
The Gospel states:
"Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. There was a fragrant aroma throughout the house."
This act was not just a simple cleaning; it was a profound gesture of love, devotion, and honor. The perfume itself was incredibly valuable, likely costing a year's wages for a laborer. Its use in this manner, pouring it on Jesus' feet and then drying them with her hair, was an act of extreme reverence and worship.
The Reaction to Mary's Act
Not everyone present understood or appreciated Mary's action. One of Jesus' disciples, Judas Iscariot, voiced his disapproval, saying:
"Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages."
John's Gospel notes that Judas said this "not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief; as he was in charge of the money bag, and kept taking out what was put into it."
Jesus, however, defended Mary's action, stating:
"Leave her alone," Jesus said. "She has kept it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
This response reveals Jesus' foreknowledge of His impending death and resurrection. Mary's act, while seemingly extravagant to some, was a divinely appointed preparation for His burial, a testament to her deep understanding of His mission.
Who is Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure in the New Testament. The Bible tells us she was from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. She is described as a woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons:
"After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. With him were the Twelve— and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had been driven out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, one of Herod’s officials; Susanna, and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means."
This early mention highlights her liberation and subsequent devotion to Jesus. Mary Magdalene is also one of the women who remained faithful to Jesus during His crucifixion and was the first witness to His resurrection. She is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' love and the devotion that such a gift inspires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do we know it was Mary Magdalene who cleaned Jesus with her hair?
The Gospel of John, specifically chapter 12, verses 1-3, explicitly names Mary as the one who poured the expensive perfume on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. While other Gospels describe similar anointing events, John is the one who identifies her as Mary.
2. Why was her act considered so significant?
The act was significant for several reasons. Firstly, the perfume was extremely expensive, representing a great sacrifice or dedication. Secondly, wiping Jesus' feet with her hair was a gesture of profound humility and worship. Thirdly, Jesus interpreted it as an anointing for His burial, a prophetic act of preparation for His death.
3. Were there other women who anointed Jesus?
Yes, other Gospels mention different women anointing Jesus. For example, in Luke 7, a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with her tears and perfume, also wiping them with her hair. The precise identities and circumstances in these other accounts differ, but John's Gospel specifically details the event with Mary Magdalene at Bethany.
4. What does her act tell us about her relationship with Jesus?
Mary Magdalene's act demonstrates an exceptionally deep level of love, devotion, and faith in Jesus. It shows she recognized His true identity and the significance of His mission. It also highlights her gratitude for her own healing and liberation from the demons Jesus had cast out of her.
