Bethany is a significant location in the New Testament, known primarily as the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This village is situated on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, approximately two miles from Jerusalem (John 11:18). Bethany holds a special place in the Gospel narratives, serving as a backdrop for several key events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

The siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus are central figures in the Bethany narratives. They are depicted as close friends of Jesus, and their home is a place where He often found rest and fellowship. The Gospel of Luke introduces us to Mary and Martha in a well-known account where Martha is busy with preparations while Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching. Jesus gently admonishes Martha, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

The Raising of Lazarus

One of the most profound miracles performed by Jesus occurred in Bethany—the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This event is recorded in John 11. When Lazarus fell ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one You love is sick" (John 11:3). Despite the urgency, Jesus delayed His visit, ultimately arriving after Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. In a powerful demonstration of His divine authority, Jesus called Lazarus forth from the grave, declaring, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). This miracle not only affirmed Jesus' power over death but also foreshadowed His own resurrection.

Anointing of Jesus

Bethany is also the setting for the anointing of Jesus by Mary, an act of devotion and prophetic significance. In John 12:1-8, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair. This act is met with criticism from Judas Iscariot, but Jesus defends Mary, saying, "Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial" (John 12:7). This anointing is a poignant moment, symbolizing Jesus' impending death and burial.

Triumphal Entry and Ascension

Bethany's proximity to Jerusalem made it a convenient location for Jesus during the final week of His earthly ministry. It was from Bethany that Jesus began His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey as the crowds shouted, "Hosanna!" (Mark 11:1-11). After His resurrection, Jesus led His disciples out as far as Bethany, where He blessed them and ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50-51).

Significance in Christian Tradition

Bethany is more than just a geographical location; it represents a place of intimate fellowship with Jesus. The interactions between Jesus and the family of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus highlight themes of faith, devotion, and the transformative power of Christ's presence. The events that transpired in Bethany continue to inspire believers, reminding them of the importance of choosing the "good portion" and the hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ.Luke 10:38-41
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Nave's Topical Index

Opening Thoughts.
... has been the weary footstep and tearful eye that has hastened in thought to
BETHANY""gone to ... "The town of Mary and her sister Martha," then, furnishes us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/i opening thoughts.htm

The Home Scene.
... So, amid the hallowed haunts of Palestine, the homes of Judea, the cities of Galilee,
there was but one Bethany. ... Mary, Martha, and Lazarus"all three ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/ii the home scene.htm

At the House of Martha --The Good Shepherd.
... Illustration: Jesus in the house at Bethany]. ... her in the house, but Jesus said,
"Martha, Martha, thou art ... things; but one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxix at the house.htm

Jesus the Resurrection and Life.
... presence of God, may perhaps seem to some as foolish as to go with those curious
Jews who flocked out to Bethany to set ... What Mary and Martha would prize ...
/.../xxiii jesus the resurrection and.htm

The Box of Ointment.
... a green spot on which the eye will ever love to repose, among the "Memories of Bethany."
It is ... The ardent Martha, the contemplative Mary, the aged Simon ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xvii the box of ointment.htm

Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem.
... Then Jesus turned to Mary Magdalene and Martha and said, "Remain here, beloved! ... Dear,
peaceful Bethany, never more shall I tarry in thy quiet vale.". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ii jesus last journey.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... that He should even risk His safety by a journey to Bethany; He has ... filled their
little bag with food, yet Lazarus dies, and Mary may die, and Martha may die ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

John Chapter xi. Jan-54
... had taken up His abode there, Lazarus fell sick in Bethany, which was ... into the town,
but was still in that place where Martha met Him. ... "Then when Mary was come ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlix john chapter xi.htm

The Last visit.
... We have traversed in thought many other memorials of Bethany. ... May we not think
of it as oft and again visited by Martha, and Mary, and Lazarus? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxi the last visit.htm

A Royal Progress
... had sat at the modest feast that was prepared in Bethany, where Lazarus was one
of the guests, Martha was the busy servant, and Mary poured out the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/a royal progress.htm

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