John: The Anointing of Jesus

John is showing us how Jesus is being honored by others even though they do not grasp the significance or meaning of what is happening. In this narrative he gives us two pictures between Mary and Judas. Mary is at the feet of Jesus adoring him in love, offering extravagant devotion and anointing him for his burial. Judas sits in condescending arrogance, not only questioning Mary’s action but judging Jesus’ willingness to accept such a gift.