How Many Times Was Jesus Anointed with Oil? Two Biblical Accounts Explained

How Many Times Was Jesus Anointed with Oil?

Jesus was anointed with oil at least two separate times before His crucifixion, by two different women in two distinct settings. While the Gospel accounts may seem to describe the same event, closer examination reveals these were separate occasions — each carrying unique spiritual significance and prophetic meaning.

The Two Occasions Jesus Was Anointed

The First Anointing: A Sinful Woman in Simon's House (Luke 7:36-50)

Early in His ministry, Jesus was dining at the home of Simon the Pharisee when an unnamed woman — described as "a woman in that town who lived a sinful life" — entered uninvited. Weeping, she wet Jesus' feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them.

When Simon judged the woman silently, Jesus told the parable of two debtors to illustrate that those who are forgiven much, love much. He then declared to the woman: "Your sins are forgiven... Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (Luke 7:48-50). This anointing was primarily an act of repentance, gratitude, and faith.

The Second Anointing: Mary of Bethany (John 12:1-8; Mark 14:3-9)

Six days before Passover, Jesus visited Bethany to see Lazarus. During dinner, Mary — the sister of Lazarus and Martha — took a pint of pure spikenard worth a year's wages, poured it over Jesus' head (Mark 14:3), and anointed His feet, wiping them with her hair (John 12:3).

When Judas criticized the "waste," Jesus defended Mary: "She has done a beautiful thing to me... She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial" (Mark 14:6-8). This anointing was an act of prophetic worship and sacrificial devotion.

Why the Anointing of Jesus Matters

Preparation for Burial

Jesus interpreted Mary's anointing as preparation for His burial — a prophetic act that foreshadowed the sacrifice He would make on the cross just days later.

Jesus as "The Anointed One"

The title "Christ" (Greek: Christos) means "The Anointed One." These physical anointings reflected the deeper truth of who Jesus was — the Messiah anointed by God with the Holy Spirit for His redemptive mission (Acts 10:38).

A Model of Extravagant Worship

Jesus said that wherever the gospel is preached, Mary's act would be told in memory of her (Mark 14:9). Her willingness to give her most valuable possession teaches us what true worship costs — and that nothing given to Jesus is ever wasted.

What This Means for Believers Today

When we practice anointing with oil in prayer and worship, we participate in the same tradition that surrounded Jesus during His earthly ministry. Each anointing carries spiritual weight — whether offered in repentance, devotion, healing, or consecration.

At Mount of Olives, our spikenard and other biblical anointing oils connect you to the same sacred practice that honored Jesus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times was Jesus anointed in the Bible?

Jesus was anointed at least twice before His crucifixion: once by a sinful woman at Simon the Pharisee's house (Luke 7) and once by Mary of Bethany six days before Passover (John 12, Mark 14).

Who anointed Jesus with oil?

Two women anointed Jesus: an unnamed sinful woman in Luke 7 and Mary of Bethany (sister of Lazarus and Martha) in John 12 and Mark 14.

What oil was used to anoint Jesus?

Mary of Bethany used pure spikenard (nard), an extremely expensive oil worth approximately a year's wages. The woman in Luke 7 used an unspecified perfumed oil.

Why did Jesus say Mary prepared Him for burial?

Jewish burial customs included anointing the body with fragrant oils and spices. Jesus recognized Mary's act as a prophetic foreshadowing of His coming death, burial, and resurrection.