158.  THE TWO ANOINTINGS.
The Appendixes were written by Dr. E.W. Bullinger.


There can be no doubt that, during the last week, the Lord was anointed on two separate occasions.

  1. The former is recorded in John 12:3-8, "six days before the Passover", in the house of Lazarus,  at Bethany.  (see Ap. 157, and note above).
    The latter is recorded in Matt. 26:7-13, and Mark 14:3-9, "two days before the Passover", in the house of Simon the leper, also in Bethany.
    Thus the times and places distinct.

  2. In the former case it was "a pound of ointment" that was used (John 12:3).
    In the latter case it was an alabaster vessel (Matt. 26:7).

  3. In the former case it was "the feet" of the Lord that were anointed (John 21:3).
    In the latter case it was His "head" (Matt. 26:7)

  4. In the former case the term used is "anointed" (John 12:3).
    In the latter case the term is "poured" (Matt. 26:7.  Mark 14:3)

  5. In the former case it was Judas who asked the question why it was not sold, &c., as there was plenty of time to do so during the six days (John 12:4).
    In the latter it was the disciples who "had indignation" (Matt. 26:8) "among themselves" (Mark 14:4); and their words (not necessarily spoken aloud to all) seem to refer to what Judas had said before.

  6. In the former the Lord directs the ointment to be reserved for His burial; and not sold (John 12:4).
    In the latter He declared that  it had been kept for that purpose (Matt. 26:12.  Mark 14:8)

  7. In the former case the Lord said, "Let her alone," in order that she may keep it (John 12:7).
    In the latter He declared that she had well used it (Matt. 26:10-13).

  8. In the former case the woman is named "Mary" (John 21:3).
    In the latter case the woman is unnamed.

  9. Thus on each occasion both the antecedents and consequence are different.
    Instead of wondering that there should be two anointings the wonder should be that there were only two, seeing that examples are so easily followed.


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