Topical Bible: Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Anoints Jesus

◄ Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Anoints Jesus ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for her act of devotion in anointing Jesus. Her account is primarily found in the Gospels of John and Mark, where her actions are highlighted as a profound expression of love and faith.

Biblical Account

The most detailed account of Mary anointing Jesus is found in the Gospel of John. In John 12:1-3 , it is written: "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. 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."

This event takes place shortly before Jesus' crucifixion, during a dinner in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. The act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume demonstrates Mary's deep reverence and recognition of Jesus' impending sacrifice. Her use of pure nard, a valuable and aromatic oil, signifies the importance and sacredness of the moment.

Symbolism and Significance

Mary's anointing of Jesus holds rich symbolic meaning. The act of anointing was traditionally associated with the consecration of priests and kings, indicating that Mary recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the Anointed One. By anointing His feet and wiping them with her hair, Mary displayed humility and devotion, placing herself in a position of servitude and honor.

In Mark 14:8-9 , Jesus Himself acknowledges the significance of Mary's actions: "She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial. And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." Jesus' words affirm that Mary's act was not only a personal gesture of love but also a prophetic act foreshadowing His death and burial.

Reactions and Lessons

The reaction to Mary's anointing was mixed. In John 12:4-6 , Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Jesus, criticized the act, questioning why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. However, his objection was not out of genuine concern for the poor but rather because he was a thief and keeper of the money bag. Jesus rebuked Judas, defending Mary's actions and emphasizing the importance of honoring Him in preparation for His burial.

Mary's anointing of Jesus teaches several lessons. It exemplifies the importance of worship and devotion, prioritizing spiritual acts of love over material concerns. Her willingness to use something of great value for Jesus' sake challenges believers to consider their own sacrifices and expressions of faith. Furthermore, Mary's account underscores the theme of recognizing Jesus' true identity and mission, encouraging believers to respond with heartfelt devotion and service.

Legacy

Mary's act of anointing Jesus has left a lasting legacy within Christian tradition. Her account is a testament to the power of personal devotion and the impact of seemingly small acts of faith. As Jesus predicted, her actions have been recounted throughout the ages, serving as an enduring example of love, humility, and recognition of Christ's divine purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 26:7-13
There came to him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
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Mark 14:3-9
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she broke the box, and poured it on his head.
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John 11:2
(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
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John 12:3
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
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Library

Index i. Of Subjects
... Dives and Lazarus, 275-283; ... Mary Magdalene there, 631-636 ... Salome, sister of Herod
I., compasses murder of her husband, of Mariamme, Soemus, and Costobarus, i.125 ...
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