Mary of Bethany is a woman mentioned in the New Testament Gospels who lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem during the first century AD. She is often identified as the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Although she is not mentioned often, Mary of Bethany plays an important role in the Gospels and reveals key truths about discipleship and devotion to Jesus.
There are three main passages in the Gospels that mention Mary of Bethany by name and give insight into her character and relationship with Jesus:
John 11 – Mary, Martha, and the Death of Lazarus
In John 11:1-44, Jesus receives word that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is ill in Bethany. Rather than going right away, Jesus waits two days before traveling to Judea near Jerusalem where Bethany was located. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead four days. Both Martha and Mary are upset and tell Jesus that if he had come sooner, Lazarus would not have died. Jesus tells Martha that her brother will rise again and proclaims himself as “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
When Mary comes to Jesus, she falls at his feet weeping. Jesus is deeply moved by her grief and the grief of those with her. He asks to be taken to Lazarus’ tomb where he prays and calls Lazarus to come out, resurrecting him from the dead.
This story reveals the close relationship Jesus had with this family in Bethany. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were devoted friends and followers of Jesus, and he loved them in return. Mary’s deep anguish over her brother’s death and Jesus’ resulting compassion show his humanity and empathy.
John 12 – Mary Anoints Jesus’ Feet
John 12:1-8 recounts another dinner with Jesus, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany. While they are eating, Mary takes an expensive jar of perfumed oil, pours it on Jesus’ feet, and wipes his feet with her hair. Judas Iscariot objects to the wastefulness of this lavish act, but Jesus defends Mary saying, “Leave her alone…She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial” (John 12:7).
This tender scene shows Mary’s devotion to and understanding of Jesus. The anointing of Jesus’ feet anticipates his death and burial. Mary seems to comprehend Jesus’ mission and purpose more than even his closest disciples at this point. Her extravagant display of love points towards his sacrificial death on the cross.
Luke 10 – Mary Listening at Jesus’ Feet
The Gospel of Luke contains another account involving Mary and Martha in their home in Bethany:
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
In this passage, Martha is busy serving and preparing food while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet listening to him teach. When Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, Jesus commends Mary for “choosing the good portion” in focusing on him and his words rather than being distracted by other tasks.
This interaction highlights Mary’s priority and focus in cultivating her relationship with Jesus. She was devoted to learning from the Savior and eagerly soaked in his teaching. Mary recognized the value of Jesus’ presence and words rather than busying herself with other chores and activities.
Key Lessons from Mary of Bethany’s Life
Though brief, these biblical accounts offer several important lessons from Mary of Bethany’s interactions with Jesus:
- Mary loved Jesus deeply as a close friend. Their relationship was characterized by warmth, empathy, and care for one another.
- Mary was a devoted follower and disciple who sought to learn from Jesus. She recognized the value of listening to his teaching.
- Mary gave sacrificially out of love and gratitude to Jesus. Her anointing of him honored him and anticipated his burial and resurrection.
- Mary understood Jesus’ true identity and purpose better than most. She grasped the spiritual meaning behind his actions and words.
- Jesus highlighted Mary as an exemplar of the attitude his followers should have – eyes focused on Christ and learning from him rather than being distracted by less important tasks.
Mary of Bethany vs. Other Marys in the Gospels
In the Gospels, there are several different women named Mary who were followers of Jesus. Besides Mary of Bethany, the other major Marys are:
- Mary Magdalene – A woman from Magdala who traveled with Jesus and was present at his crucifixion and resurrection. She was formerly demon-possessed until Jesus healed her (Luke 8:2).
- Mary, Mother of James and Joses – The mother of two of Jesus’ disciples (Matthew 27:56). She was one of the women who discovered Jesus’ empty tomb.
- Mary, the Mother of Jesus – The virgin mother of Christ who gave birth to him miraculously (Luke 1-2). She was present at Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12).
Mary of Bethany is unique and should not be confused with any of these other Gospel women named Mary. The primary things that distinguish her are her relationship to Martha and Lazarus as their sister, and the accounts of her interacting with Jesus in her home in Bethany.
Summary of Mary of Bethany’s Biblical Story
In summary, here are the key facts to know about Mary of Bethany from Scripture:
- She lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem with her siblings Martha and Lazarus.
- Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were dear friends of Jesus who welcomed him into their home.
- Mary eagerly listened to Jesus’ teaching unlike her distracted sister Martha.
- Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume, showing her devotion and anticipation of his death.
- She was greatly distressed when her brother Lazarus died, but Jesus resurrected him.
- Jesus held her up as an exemplary disciple focused on Christ rather than distractions.
Though appearing infrequently, Mary of Bethany offers a model of single-hearted devotion to Christ. Her earnest discipleship, sacrificial love, and intimacy with Jesus in the Gospels reveal important virtues for following Christ.
Mary of Bethany’s Character
Biblical scholars have recognized several virtues and character qualities that stand out from what Scripture reveals about Mary of Bethany:
- Devoted – Mary was wholeheartedly devoted to Jesus, eagerly soaking in his teaching and anointing him in anticipation of his death.
- Humble – She sat humbly at Jesus’ feet listening rather than asserting her own importance like her sister Martha.
- Discerning – Mary perceived Jesus’ true purpose and identity more accurately than most disciples.
- Sacrificial – Her anointing of Jesus was a lavish, sacrificial act done out of love.
- Tender-hearted – Mary wept deeply over Lazarus’ death, showing her tenderness.
- Focused – In listening to Jesus’ words, Mary avoided distractions and kept her eyes fixed on Christ.
Mary’s sincere faith and ardent devotion made her a model disciple. Her heart was knit to Christ in love and humility. These virtues allowed her to grasp Jesus’ spiritual mission and surrender all she had to Him in worship.
Mary of Bethany’s Significance and Legacy
Though Mary of Bethany appears only briefly in the Gospels, her legacy and influence are much greater than her limited appearances suggest. Here are some key ways she significantly impacted biblical history and the church:
- Mary’s listening at Jesus’ feet demonstrated the posture of true discipleship – learning from the Master daily.
- Her tenderness and empathy toward Jesus’ suffering anticipated his passion and death on the cross.
- Mary gave the church an exemplar of devoted love, sacrifice, and surrender to Christ.
- Her purity and focus prefigured the bride of Christ, the church universal.
- The aroma from her anointing oil filled the house, hinting at the coming glory of Christ felt throughout the world.
- She participated in a miraculous resurrection, foreshadowing Christ’s victory over death.
This obscure woman helped pave the way for thousands of years of discipleship, modeling for all believers what it means to sit at the feet of Jesus. The fragrance from her sacrificial act still fills the church today.
Mary of Bethany’s Role in Jesus’ Life and Ministry
Though playing a small role in the span of Jesus’ three-year ministry, Mary of Bethany significantly impacted his life and calling in several subtle yet profound ways:
- She, Martha, and Lazarus provided Jesus a safe, welcoming home outside of Galilee nestled near Jerusalem.
- Mary’s listening ears, empathy, and understanding soul brought comfort amid opposition Jesus faced.
- Her tender care delighted Jesus’ heart with friendship beyond simple discipleship.
- Mary’s anointing pointed to the deeper spiritual purpose behind Jesus’ earthly ministry.
- Her devotion equipped Jesus emotionally as he set his face toward the cross.
- Raising Lazarus displayed Jesus’ power and deity shortly before Passion Week.
This strategic Bethany family played a quiet but vital role in Jesus’ final days. He found rest and friendship in their home right up to the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday. Mary’s sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and focus on Christ refreshed Jesus’ soul for the suffering that lay ahead.
Mary of Bethany as a Model for Believers Today
While Mary of Bethany’s context was unique, her example of extravagant devotion leaves an enduring legacy for disciples today. Here are some ways she remains a model for modern believers:
- Mary’s eagerness to learn from Jesus translates into passion for God’s Word and obedience to its commands.
- Her sacrifice of expensive perfume challenges materialism and points to surrendering our best for Christ.
- Mary’s grief over sin’s effects (Lazarus’ death) should move Christians to share the gospel.
- Her singular focus directs modern believers to set aside distractions and fix their eyes on Jesus.
- Mary’s tender heart exemplifies compassion toward those suffering loss, illness, and pain.
- Her intimacy with Jesus models spending not just quantity but quality time with the Lord daily.
In a world full of busyness, materialism, and superficiality, Mary of Bethany stands out. Her humility, devotion, and sacrifice rebuke shallow faith. Her story beckons every Christian to fall before Christ in extravagant, abandoned worship.
Deeper Theological Meaning Behind Mary of Bethany’s Actions
Though Mary herself probably did not realize it, her actions towards Jesus carried deeper theological meaning. Here are some key truths reflected symbolically in her interactions with Jesus:
- Anointing Jesus’ feet – This pointing to Jesus’ burial and resurrection which provide cleansing and life to believers. His feet took Him to the cross for our salvation.
- Pure spikenard – The expensive perfume poured out lavishly reflected the costliness and purity of Christ’s sacrifice for sinners.
- Intimate wiping with her hair – Mary’s tenderness hints at the intimacy and beauty of the church’s relationship with Christ.
- Fragrance filled the house – The aroma permeating Bethany foreshadowed the gospel spreading globally by the Spirit’s power.
- Rebuking Judas’ rebuke – Christ’s defense of Mary showed the supremacy of worship versus religiosity and man’s rules.
Mary’s extravagant display of love beautifully expressed spiritual realities about the beauty of Christ’s atoning work. Her posture before Jesus modeled perfect worship that pleases God.
Conclusion
Mary of Bethany only appears briefly in the Gospels, yet her story provides a lasting example of surrender, devotion, and intimacy with Christ. Unlike most of Jesus’ disciples who never fully understood His mission, Mary grasped who He truly was and lavishly poured out her love. Her tenderness and quiet understanding offers a beautiful picture of resting at the Savior’s feet. Mary’s legacy lives on as a model for all believers seeking to love Christ above all else.