Topical Encyclopedia Bethany, a small village located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, holds significant importance in the New Testament as a place where Jesus frequently visited. It is approximately two miles from Jerusalem and is most notably recognized as the home of siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This village serves as the backdrop for several key events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.One of the most memorable events in Bethany is the feast attended by Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels. This feast is particularly significant because it occurs shortly before Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the Passion Week. The Gospel of John provides a detailed account of this event: "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him" (John 12:1-2). This gathering is not merely a social occasion but a profound moment of fellowship and gratitude. The presence of Lazarus, whom Jesus had previously raised from the dead, underscores the miraculous power and divine authority of Christ. The feast serves as a celebration of life and a testament to Jesus' compassion and love for His friends. During this feast, Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, performs an act of deep devotion and worship. She anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair, an act that signifies her reverence and recognition of Jesus' impending sacrifice. The Gospel of John describes this poignant moment: "Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume" (John 12:3). This act of anointing is met with criticism from Judas Iscariot, who questions the use of such costly perfume. However, Jesus defends Mary's actions, highlighting the spiritual significance of her gesture: "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me" (John 12:7-8). The feast at Bethany is a moment of intimate fellowship, worship, and foreshadowing of the events to come. It reflects the close relationship Jesus shared with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and it emphasizes the themes of sacrifice, devotion, and the anticipation of Jesus' death and resurrection. Bethany, therefore, is not only a geographical location but a place of profound spiritual significance, where Jesus' divine nature and His human relationships are vividly portrayed. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:6-13Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, Nave's Topical Index John 12:1-9 Library The Four-Fold Gospel Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] Index. The Gospels in General Resources What is an alabaster box? | GotQuestions.orgWhat expertise does GotQuestions.org possess? | GotQuestions.org Who was Lazarus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bethany: A Village on the Eastem Slope of the Mount of Olives Bethany: Jesus Attends a Feast In Bethany: Lazarus Dies and is Raised to Life At Bethany: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus Dwell At Bethany: The Colt of a Donkey Upon Which Jesus Made his Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem, Obtained At Related Terms |