Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for her close relationship with Jesus Christ. She is primarily mentioned in the Gospels of Luke and John, where her actions and interactions with Jesus provide profound insights into her character and faith.

Biblical Accounts

1. Mary and Martha's Home (Luke 10:38-42): Mary first appears in the Gospel of Luke when Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha is busy with the preparations, Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching. When Martha expresses concern that Mary is not helping her, Jesus responds, "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). This passage highlights Mary's devotion to Jesus and her desire to learn from Him, prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns.

2. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44): In the Gospel of John, Mary is depicted during the event of her brother Lazarus's death and subsequent resurrection. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Mary approaches Him with deep emotion, saying, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32). Her faith in Jesus' power is evident, even in her grief. Jesus, moved by her sorrow, weeps with her and later raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His compassion and divine authority.

3. Anointing of Jesus (John 12:1-8): Mary is also known for anointing Jesus with expensive perfume at a dinner in Bethany. She pours the perfume on Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair, an act of profound love and humility. When Judas Iscariot criticizes her for what he perceives as wastefulness, Jesus defends her, saying, "Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial" (John 12:7). This act foreshadows Jesus' impending death and burial, and it underscores Mary's deep understanding of His mission.

Character and Significance

Mary's actions reflect a heart wholly devoted to Jesus. Her willingness to sit at His feet, her faith in His power over life and death, and her sacrificial act of anointing Him with perfume all illustrate her profound love and reverence for the Lord. Her account is a testament to the importance of prioritizing spiritual devotion and recognizing the significance of Jesus' mission.

Mary's relationship with Jesus is marked by intimacy and understanding, making her a model of discipleship. Her life encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, characterized by faith, love, and devotion.John 11:1,5
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
Nave's Topical Index

Beloved, and yet Afflicted
... No doubt when Mary and Martha sent to tell Jesus they looked to ... will close with A
QUESTION""Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus""does Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/beloved and yet afflicted.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus
... 5 that "Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus ... that he went immediately and
healed Lazarus; or at ... Martha and Mary experienced the truth of this, though ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

Jesus Comforting his Friends.
... as he receives first one and then the other sister. Mary's grief was deeper than
Martha's; and when Jesus ... therefore, that the raising of Lazarus, though only ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xi jesus comforting his.htm

"Lazarus, Come Forth"
... her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying ... On hearing the message, Mary
rose hastily, and with an ... Lazarus had been much beloved, and his sisters wept ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 58 lazarus come forth.htm

Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem.
... Simon, after whom there came Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, with Martha,
his sister, and Mary Magdalene, the ... "Yes, Lord," remarked Lazarus; "O best ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ii jesus last journey.htm

The Home Scene.
... all things, hopeth all things, believeth all things." While her sister can so ... Mary! ...
the Divine Saviour bore to the household (for "Jesus loved Lazarus"), is it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/ii the home scene.htm

The Welcome visitor
... that word of comfort, and, in obedience to it, to rise up quickly and, in imitation
of your sister, go and cast ... Jesus loved Martha, and Mary, and Lazarus. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the welcome visitor.htm

John xi. 1, 2
... mentions these circumstances, to prove that Lazarus was really ... to meet Christ, [1686]
take her sister with her ... to good hopes, she went and called Mary, who met ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxii john xi 1.htm

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
... Her sister, upon whom fell all the duty at such ... Mary has chosen the better part,
which will not be taken away."[6] Her brother, Eleazar, or Lazarus, was also ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxi last journey of.htm

Love's Prodigality Censured and vindicated
... expression of love, if Martha should seek to force her own kind on her sister. ... it
was her own, for she would not have taken it if Lazarus and Mary had been ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture i/loves prodigality censured and vindicated.htm

What is the Gospel of Mary (Magdalene)? | GotQuestions.org

Was Mary sinless? Was Mary without sin? | GotQuestions.org

Why is Queen Mary I of England known as Bloody Mary? | GotQuestions.org

Mary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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