Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, sat at Jesus' feet and anointed Him with perfume.
Mary was a woman from Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, and a close friend of Jesus. When Jesus visited their home, Mary sat at His feet, listening intently to His teachings, while her sister Martha was busy serving. When Martha complained that Mary was not helping, Jesus commended Mary for choosing the better part by focusing on His words (Luk.10.39, 42). After the death of Lazarus, Mary fell at Jesus' feet, expressing her grief and faith in Him. Jesus was deeply moved by her sorrow and wept with her before raising Lazarus from the dead (Jhn.11.1-44). Later, during a meal at their home, Mary took a pound of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. This act of devotion and love was criticized by Judas Iscariot, but Jesus defended her, stating that she had anointed Him for His burial (Jhn.12.3-8).
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus
FamilyStated in the textThe three siblings lived in Bethany, near Jerusalem, and were loved by Jesus. Martha hosted him, Mary sat at his feet, and Lazarus was raised after four days in the tomb.
Sources: Scripture
Simon the leper's house and the anointing
FriendsHypothesisMark and Matthew place the anointing at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, and John places it at a supper with Martha serving and Lazarus reclining. Simon may have been related to the family, but the texts do not say.
Where the text shows it: Mark 14:3 — In Bethany at the house of Simon the leperJohn 12:1-3 — Martha serving, Lazarus at table, Mary anoints Ways people read this (3)
- Simon was a healed leper who hosted a supper for which Martha served (a neighbor).
- Simon was a relative, possibly the father or husband of Martha.
- The two suppers are different events (less common).
Sources: Scripture
Are Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, and the sinful woman one person?
RoleDebatedIn 591 Pope Gregory the Great preached that Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, and the anointing woman of Luke 7 were one. The NT names three separate people and never links them. Eastern churches keep them separate.
Where the text shows it: Luke 7:36-50 — Unnamed sinful woman anoints Jesus' feetLuke 8:2 — Mary called Magdalene, seven demonsJohn 12:3 — Mary of Bethany anoints his feet Ways people read this (3)
- Western medieval tradition (Gregory): one woman.
- Eastern tradition and most modern scholars: three distinct women.
- Some see John 11:2 as the Gospel itself merging Mary of Bethany with the anointing.
Sources: Gregory the Great, Homilies on the Gospels 33
11 verses in 2 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s G3137