How did Mary of Bethany honor Jesus?

Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is a significant figure in the New Testament. She is portrayed in the Gospels as a devoted follower of Jesus who honored Him in various profound and meaningful ways. Her actions exemplify deep faith, reverence, and love for Jesus. This article explores how Mary of Bethany honored Jesus, supported by Bible references.

Mary of Bethany is mentioned in three key passages in the Gospels:

Luke 10:38-42 – The account of Mary and Martha hosting Jesus.

John 11:1-44 – The raising of Lazarus.

1. John 12:1-8 – Mary anointing Jesus at Bethany.

These passages collectively highlight Mary’s devotion, faith, and understanding of Jesus’ mission.

How did Mary of Bethany honor Jesus?

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha. This passage illustrates Mary’s devotion to Jesus and her priority in listening to His teachings.

NKJV Text: “Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'”

Analysis:

1. Sitting at Jesus’ Feet: Mary is described as sitting at Jesus’ feet, a posture that signifies a disciple’s submission and eagerness to learn. In Jewish culture, sitting at a teacher’s feet indicated a desire to be instructed and a recognition of the teacher’s authority.
2. Listening to His Word: Mary prioritized listening to Jesus’ teachings over the customary hospitality preparations, indicating her recognition of the importance of Jesus’ words. Unlike Martha, who was preoccupied with serving, Mary chose to focus on spiritual nourishment.
3. Jesus’ Affirmation: Jesus’ response to Martha underscores the value of Mary’s choice. He affirms that Mary has chosen “the good part,” highlighting the eternal value of spiritual learning and devotion over temporal concerns.

Through her actions, Mary of Bethany honored Jesus by prioritizing His teachings, demonstrating her deep spiritual hunger and reverence for His words.

Faith and Trust in Jesus (John 11:1-44)

The second significant account involving Mary of Bethany is found in John 11, where Jesus raises her brother Lazarus from the dead. This passage reveals Mary’s faith and trust in Jesus, even in the face of grief and despair.

NKJV Text (selected verses):

John 11:1-3: “Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, ‘Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.'”

John 11:20-22: “Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. Now Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.'”

John 11:28-32: “And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, ‘The Teacher has come and is calling for you.’ As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, ‘She is going to the tomb to weep there.’ Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.'”

Analysis:

1. Recognition of Jesus’ Power: Mary and Martha both recognize Jesus’ power to heal. Their message to Jesus, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick,” reflects their faith in His ability to heal their brother.
2. Grief and Faith: When Mary of Bethany meets Jesus, she falls at His feet, a sign of her deep sorrow and reverence. Her statement, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died,” mirrors Martha’s earlier words, expressing both her grief and her faith in Jesus’ healing power.
3. Jesus’ Compassion: Jesus is deeply moved by Mary’s grief and the mourning of the others (John 11:33-35). His weeping demonstrates His compassion and empathy, which further cements Mary’s trust and love for Him.
4. Witnessing the Miracle: By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus not only demonstrates His power over life and death but also strengthens the faith of Mary and the other witnesses. This miracle honors Mary’s faith and trust in Jesus, showing that her devotion is well-placed.

Through her faith and trust, even in times of deep sorrow, Mary of Bethany honored Jesus, acknowledging His divine power and compassionate nature.

Anointing Jesus (John 12:1-8; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9)

The most significant act of honoring Jesus by Mary of Bethany is her anointing of Jesus, which is recorded in John 12:1-8, Matthew 26:6-13, and Mark 14:3-9. This act is rich with symbolism and profound in its implications.

NKJV Text (John 12:1-8): “Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.'”

Analysis:

1. Generous Devotion: The act of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus with costly oil demonstrates generous devotion. The oil of spikenard was very expensive, worth about a year’s wages (300 denarii). By using such a valuable substance to honor Jesus, Mary showed her willingness to give up something of great worth for Him.
2. Humility and Reverence: Anointing Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair is an act of deep humility and reverence. In the cultural context, washing feet was a servant’s job, and using her hair to wipe them shows Mary’s profound respect and love for Jesus.
3. Prophetic Act: Jesus interprets Mary’s action as preparation for His burial, indicating a prophetic understanding of His impending death. “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial” (John 12:7). Mary’s act foreshadows Jesus’ sacrificial death and acknowledges His role as the Messiah.
4. Jesus’ Defense of Mary of Bethany: When Judas criticizes Mary’s act, Jesus defends her, highlighting the significance of her action. “For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always” (John 12:8). Jesus’ defense not only validates Mary’s devotion but also underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring Him in the moment.

Honoring Jesus Through Actions and Faith

Mary of Bethany’s actions and faith provide a multifaceted picture of honoring Jesus:

1. Spiritual Priority: Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teachings highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and intimacy with God over worldly concerns.
2. Faith in Times of Sorrow: Her trust in Jesus during Lazarus’ death and her interaction with Him during this time of grief demonstrate unwavering faith and reliance on Jesus’ power and compassion.
3. Sacrificial Worship: The anointing of Jesus with costly oil signifies the value of worship that is sacrificial, heartfelt, and prophetic.
4. Recognition of Jesus’ Mission: By anointing Jesus, Mary of Bethany acknowledges His messianic mission and impending sacrifice, showing a deep understanding of His role as the Savior.

Mary of Bethany honored Jesus in ways that were deeply spiritual, emotionally resonant, and prophetically significant. Her actions and faith demonstrate a profound reverence and love for Jesus that went beyond cultural norms and expectations. The story of Mary of Bethany serves as a powerful example of how true honor for Jesus involves prioritizing His teachings, having unwavering faith in His power and compassion, and worshiping Him with all that we have. Through her devotion, humility, and prophetic acts, Mary of Bethany left a legacy of what it means to truly honor Jesus.