Mary of Bethany
- James Collazo
- Jan 31, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 12
Mary of Bethany (Hebrew: Miryam mi-Beit Anyah / Greek: Maria tēs Bēthania) was born around AD 8 in the Roman province of Judea. She had a sister named Martha and a brother named Lazarus (John 11:2). Mary's name (H4813) means "bitter," and the name of her hometown, Bethany (G963), means "house of pain" in Aramaic. These meanings suggest that she came from a humble background, especially when compared to the wealthy families who lived in nearby Jerusalem, less than two miles away (cf. John 11:18). Jesus raised Mary from obscurity by honoring her devotion, declaring, "Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (Mark 26:13). Her story remains a lasting witness to her discipleship and ministry.
Mary's role in the gospels focuses on her relationship with Jesus. Her actions—listening to his teaching, mourning Lazarus' death, and anointing Jesus—show how she understood both who he was and what he came to do. By listening closely, she shows what true discipleship looks like (see "Cost of Christian Discipleship"). In her grief and her belief in the resurrection, she shows the tension between death's reality and the hope of eternal life. Through her anointing, she points to Jesus' coming death and recognizes his saving mission.
Mary of Bethany, Disciple of Jesus
Mary of Bethany first appears in the Bible when she sits at Jesus' feet and listens carefully to his teaching. Her posture places her in the recognized position of a disciple (cf. Acts 22:3; 2 Tim. 1:5), showing her commitment to learning from Jesus. Her sister Martha focused on serving by preparing a meal for Jesus and his followers, but Mary chose to concentrate on Jesus' words. Martha became frustrated with her, yet Jesus defended Mary's decision, teaching that discipleship takes priority over everyday tasks (Luke 10:38–42).
Martha asks, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40). Jesus replies, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41–42). By sitting at the feet of a rabbi—a position typically reserved for male disciples—Mary challenged the cultural and gender expectations of the first century. Her choice offers a strong example of faith and a commitment to learning. She shows believers how to place devotion to God above busyness, distractions, and the pressures of everyday life.
Martha let her sense of duty and her desire to do everything perfectly distract her, and she missed the importance of being with Jesus. Mary, however, remained calm and focused, showing humility by not defending herself or drawing attention. The difference between the sisters shows that when someone puts Christ at the center of their life, He becomes their primary focus, and selfishness and everyday worries lose their power. Similarly, theologian Paul Tillich (1886–1965) wrote, "Faith is the state of being ultimately concerned" (1957, p. 1).
A Witness to Resurrection
Jesus delayed his journey to Bethany, explaining that Lazarus' illness would not end in death but would reveal God's glory. When he finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days, and the community had already begun the mourning rituals. Mary had stayed at home, overwhelmed by grief, while receiving comfort from the leaders of her synagogue. After Jesus spoke with Martha and said, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25–26), Martha went to bring Mary to him. When Mary met Jesus outside the village, she said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32). Her words showed her strong faith in Jesus even in the middle of her deep sorrow. Mary then witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. Her grief, together with the crowd's mourning, moved Jesus deeply (John 11:1–44).
Anointing at Bethany
One of Mary's most memorable moments occurred when she brought an alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) to anoint Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. Alabaster itself was valuable, and the perfume inside was worth more than three hundred denarii—about a year's wage in first-century Judea, or roughly $63,795 today. Mary's anointing of Jesus took place six days before Passover and foreshadowed his crucifixion and burial. (John 12:1–8). Her actions showed both deep humility and great respect for Jesus.
Judas Iscariot criticized Mary for using such expensive perfume, calling it a waste, even though he often stole from the money that supported Jesus' ministry (John 12:4–6). Judas showed a selfish and materialistic attitude, while Mary understood the true purpose of Jesus' mission. Their different values become clear when we compare their actions. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, but Mary offered perfume worth more than three hundred denarii as a sign of her deep devotion. At the same time, we see two opposite responses: one driven by love and sacrifice, the other by greed and betrayal. This contrast shows the strength of Mary's faith and the seriousness of Judas' actions.
Conclusion
Mary of Bethany stands out in the gospels as a devoted follower who clearly understands who Jesus is. Even though she came from the small village of Bethany, she chose to sit at Jesus' feet—a place usually reserved for men—which showed her desire to learn from him. When Lazarus died, she showed both her grief and her faith, and she saw Jesus prove his power as "the resurrection and the life." Six days before Passover, she anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, a loving and prophetic act that pointed to his coming death and stood in strong contrast to Judas Iscariot's greed. Through her willingness to listen, her trust during sorrow, and her act of sacrifice, Mary shows humility, courage, and spiritual insight. Her example encourages believers to follow Jesus with sincere devotion, a desire to learn, and steady love.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of heaven and earth! You loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus and filled their home in Bethany with your presence. Dwell in us by your Holy Spirit, teach us to love steadfastly, and guide us in your ways. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bibliography
DeMarco, Jacqueline. "Average US Salary by State." SoFi Learn. January 28, 2025. [link].
Dickson, Kimberly. "Women in Scripture and Mission: Mary of Bethany." CBE International. June 6, 2023. [link].
Houdmann, S. Michael. "Who Was Mary of Bethany in the Bible?" Got Questions. January 4, 2022. [link].
Sproul, R. C. "The Anointing at Bethany." Ligonier. May 13, 2007. [link].
Tillich, Paul. Dynamics of Faith. New York: Harper & Row, 1957.
