What is the meaning of John 11:2? Mary • John identifies “Mary” as a specific woman already familiar to many believers, distinguishing her from other women named Mary in the Gospels (Luke 10:38-42). • She is the sister who “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching” (Luke 10:39), revealing a pattern of personal devotion. • By linking her name to the later anointing (John 12:3), the verse underscores her intimate relationship with Jesus long before that public act of worship. whose brother Lazarus was sick • The illness of Lazarus (John 11:1) sets the immediate context and foreshadows the miraculous resurrection in John 11:43-44. • Mentioning Mary’s family ties shows that Jesus’ forthcoming miracle impacts a real household He loves (John 11:5). • The statement reminds readers that faith often grows in the middle of suffering (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). was to anoint the Lord with perfume • John looks ahead to the evening meal in Bethany where Mary “took a pound of expensive perfume of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet” (John 12:3). • This anticipatory note highlights the prophetic nature of her action, for Jesus links it to His burial (John 12:7; cf. Mark 14:8). • Sacrificial worship is costly: the perfume was worth “a year’s wages” (John 12:5), echoing King David’s refusal to offer God what cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). • By calling Jesus “the Lord,” the text affirms His divine authority, worthy of honor reserved for God alone (Psalm 45:7). and wipe His feet with her hair • Wiping Jesus’ feet with her own hair is an act of humility and total self-abandonment, paralleling the servant-nature Jesus will model when He washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:5). • In that culture a woman’s hair was her glory (1 Corinthians 11:15); Mary lays her glory at Jesus’ feet, illustrating true discipleship (Luke 14:26-27). • The fragrant aroma filling the house (John 12:3) becomes a living picture of how worship spreads the knowledge of Christ “like a sweet fragrance” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). summary John 11:2 introduces Mary by recalling her forthcoming act of extravagant devotion. The verse roots her identity in relationship (sister of Lazarus), anticipates her sacrificial anointing, and showcases her humble service. Together these details emphasize that authentic faith loves Jesus personally, serves Him selflessly, and honors Him lavishly—truths confirmed in the very miracle that follows and in the cross toward which the Gospel steadily moves. |
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