Bible Figure
Mary of Bethany
figure described in the Gospel of John; sister of Lazarus and Martha, living in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem
Mary of Bethany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus and a devoted follower of Jesus. She is remembered for sitting at Jesus' feet to hear His teaching, for grieving with Him at Lazarus' tomb, and for anointing Jesus with costly perfume shortly before His death.
Biography
Mary lived in Bethany near Jerusalem with her sister Martha and brother Lazarus. Luke records a visit in which Martha was occupied with serving while Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to His word. When Martha complained, Jesus defended Mary's choice to give priority to receiving His teaching. John 11 presents the sisters sending word to Jesus when Lazarus became ill. By the time Jesus arrived Lazarus had died. Mary came to Jesus in grief, fell at His feet, and said that if He had been there her brother would not have died. Jesus was deeply moved and then raised Lazarus from the tomb. John 12 later records a supper at Bethany where Mary took costly perfume, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. Judas objected to the expense, but Jesus interpreted the act in relation to His burial. A similar anointing appears in the Synoptic Gospels, though the precise relationship among the accounts has been debated. Scripture does not identify Mary of Bethany with Mary Magdalene.
Biblical Significance
Mary of Bethany is a notable model of attentive discipleship, trust, grief brought directly to Christ, and costly devotion. Her appearances cluster around Jesus' teaching, His power over death, and His approaching burial. The anointing especially points toward the Passion and shows a disciple honoring Jesus when others fail to understand the significance of His coming death.