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Mary of Bethany (Hebrew: Miryam mi-Beit Anyah—Greek: Maria tēs Bēthania) was born circa AD 10 (3770–3771 in the Hebrew calendar) in the Roman province of Judea. She had a sister named Martha and a brother named Lazarus (John 11:2). Mary's (H4813) name means "bitter," while Bethany incidentally means "house of pain" in Aramaic (G963). Moreover, the etymology of Mary's name and hometown reflected her impoverished upbringing in contrast to the nearby elites in Jerusalem, which was a little under two miles away (cf. John 11:18). Jesus elevated Mary from an obscure peasant to a renowned disciple, saying, "Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (Mark 26:13). Nevertheless, this biography also serves as a memorial of Mary's discipleship and ministry.
Mary's role in the gospel narratives is deeply christocentric. Her actions, whether listening to Jesus' words, mourning Lazarus, or anointing Jesus, point to a present and future Christ. In each case, her interaction with Jesus reveals a profound theological recognition of his identity and mission. As the one who listens attentively to the words of Jesus, she exemplifies the nature of true discipleship (see "Cost of Christian Discipleship"). As one who mourns and believes in the resurrection, she embodies the tension between the present reality of death and the future promise of life. In her anointing, she performs an act that foreshadows the death of the Messiah, signaling her prophetic understanding of his redemptive work.
Mary of Bethany, Disciple of Jesus
Mary of Bethany first appears in the Bible when she sits at the feet of Jesus, attentively listening to his teaching. Her action was an authoritative position of discipleship (cf. Acts 22:3, 2 Tim. 1:5), underscoring the centrality of Mary as a hearer of Jesus' word. Her sister, Martha, prioritized serving Jesus and his followers with a meal. In contrast, Mary focused on Jesus' teaching, which frustrated Martha. Jesus defended Mary's choice, implying that discipleship is more crucial than menial tasks (Luke 10:38–42). Martha had questioned Jesus, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (v. 40). Jesus replied, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (vv. 41-42). Mary's posture was a deliberate subversion of first-century cultural and gender norms. In context, sitting at the feet of a rabbi was a custom only reserved for male disciples. Nevertheless, Mary was an egalitarian model of faith and theological learning over busyness and distraction.
Jesus taught us that if we prioritize a deep relationship with him, we choose something that will endure forever. In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul alluded to this idea when he wrote about building on the foundation of Christ. In contrast, individuals preoccupied with earthly concerns build a foundation "using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw"—materials that will not withstand the trials and fires of life nor remain in eternity (1 Cor. 3:10-15). Martha was distracted by obligation and perfectionism, which caused her to overlook the presence of the one she was serving: Jesus. On the other hand, Mary's silence indicated a lack of self-interest, particularly in defending her actions. This difference between the two sisters shows that when someone focuses entirely on Christ, he becomes their ultimate concern, reducing self-centeredness and distractions from the world. Likewise, the Lutheran philosopher and theologian Paul Tillich (1886–1965) said, "Faith is the state of being ultimately concerned: the dynamics of faith are the dynamics of man's ultimate concern" (p. 1).
A Witness to Resurrection
Jesus delayed his journey to Bethany, declaring that Lazarus' illness would not ultimately lead to death but serve to glorify God. By the time he arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days, and the mourning rituals were underway. Mary had initially stayed home, overcome with grief while being comforted by the leaders of her synagogue. However, Martha retrieved her after Jesus asked, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26). When Mary saw Jesus outside the village, she exclaimed, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32). This exclamation reflected Mary's unwavering faith in Jesus even amidst her deep sorrow. Subsequently, Mary witnessed Jesus' miracle of resurrecting Lazarus from death. Her presence elicited a robust emotional response from Jesus, who was deeply moved by her grief and the mourning crowd (cf. John 11:1-44).
Anointing at Bethany
One of Mary's most striking moments was when she brought an alabaster flask to anoint Jesus' feet with an expensive spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) perfume and wiped them with her hair. The alabaster, a brilliant white soft mineral, was also quite costly. Her prophetic act foreshadowed Jesus' crucifixion and burial six days before Passover (John 12:1-8). The perfume was worth over 300 denarii, a year's wage in first-century Judea—today, about $63,795 according to the national average salary (DeMarco, 2024)—a significant financial investment. The gesture demonstrated Mary's deep humility and respect for Jesus.
In contrast, Judas Iscariot considered her use of expensive perfume a waste of resources. However, he had no problem stealing from Jesus' ministry funds (John 12:4-6). Judas represented the skeptical and materialistic perspective, while Mary understood the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission. The Presbyterian theologian and pastor R. C. Sproul (1939–2017) observed:
The irony in this chapter is interesting to me when we see this interlocked with the value that Jesus had to Judas, who sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. I do not know what the balance is between three hundred denarii and thirty pieces of silver, but in the same narrative, we hear of the devotion of one who gave extravagant love to Jesus at a heavy price and also the record of unspeakable treachery and betrayal at a price of thirty pieces of silver.
Conclusion
Mary of Bethany exemplifies a distinctive model of devotion, discipleship, and prophetic insight within the gospel narrative. Through her actions—ranging from sitting at the feet of Jesus, anointing his body in anticipation of his death, to her confession of Christ as the resurrection and the life—Mary challenges both her contemporaries and modern readers to reconsider the nature and demands of authentic discipleship. Mary's faith and love for Jesus are a theological counterpoint to prevailing cultural norms regarding women's roles in scripture and the church's mission. As we reflect on her example, let us follow her lead in breaking cultural barriers, committing ourselves fully to Jesus, and actively participating in the work of God's kingdom. Her story features profound theological insight, boldness in love, and a timeless call to serve Christ with all we have.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of the universe; you loved Mary of Bethany and her siblings Martha and Lazarus, hallowing their home with your sacred presence: we pray that your love rests upon us and that your presence dwells with us. May we all grow in grace and the knowledge of your salvation. Teach us to love one another as you have commanded. Help us bear one another's burdens and obey your law; through Jesus the Messiah our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Bibliography
Book of Common Prayer. Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019. p. 76.
DeMarco, Jacqueline. "Average US Salary by State." SoFi Learn. March 28, 2024. (link).
Dickson, Kimberly. Women in Scripture and Mission: Mary of Bethany." CBE International. June 6, 2023. (link).
Houdmann, S. Michael. "Who Was Mary of Bethany in the Bible?" Got Questions. January 4, 2022. (link).
Sproul, R. C. "The Anointing at Bethany." Ligonier. May 13, 2007. (link).
Tillich, Paul. Dynamics of Faith. New York: Harper & Row, 1957.