Among the women of the New Testament, Mary of Bethany stands out as a profound example of devotion, love, and spiritual insight. She was the sister of Martha and Lazarus and appears in three separate passages that reveal her heart toward Jesus. Each encounter paints a picture of deep faith and adoration. Let us examine what the Scripture reveals about this remarkable woman.
Her Identity and Setting
Mary lived in Bethany, a village about two miles east of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives. She shared her home with her sister Martha and brother Lazarus (John 11:1). Bethany became a frequent resting place for Jesus during His ministry, and the relationship between Him and this family was unique and intimate.
“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”
(John 11:5)
This simple statement tells us something profound, Jesus deeply loved this household. Mary’s character and choices must be seen in the context of this loving relationship.
Sitting at Jesus’ Feet (Luke 10:38–42)
The first time we meet Mary is in a scene that contrasts her with her sister Martha. Jesus comes to their home, and Martha busies herself with serving, while Mary positions herself at the feet of Jesus:
“And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.”
(Luke 10:39)
This posture (sitting at His feet) was that of a disciple before a rabbi, a place of humility and learning. While Martha becomes distracted with much serving and asks Jesus to rebuke Mary, His response affirms Mary’s choice:
“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
(Luke 10:42)
This moment reveals Mary’s priorities. She valued His presence above performance, intimacy above activity, and worship above work. While service has its place, Jesus declared that listening to Him (the posture of devotion) was the better part. Mary teaches us that the heart of discipleship is to be near Christ and receive His Word.
At the Tomb of Lazarus (John 11:1–44)
The second significant interaction occurs during one of the most dramatic miracles in Jesus’ ministry, the raising of Lazarus. When Lazarus fell ill, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus. Yet, when He arrived, Lazarus had been dead four days. Martha meets Him first and engages in theological conversation (John 11:20–27). Mary’s approach is different:
“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.’”
(John 11:32)
Once again, we find Mary at His feet. Her words echo Martha’s, but her posture and heart convey something deeper, a raw grief mingled with unwavering faith. She does not argue or demand answers; she simply weeps. And what happens next is extraordinary:
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled… Jesus wept.”
(John 11:33, 35)
Mary’s brokenness moved the heart of the Savior. Her tears drew His tears. Though He knew resurrection was moments away, He entered into her pain. This scene shows us the intimacy Mary shared with Jesus, she brought Him her deepest sorrow, and He met her there with compassion.
Anointing Jesus for Burial (John 12:1–8; Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9)
The final instance involving Mary occurs in the days leading up to the cross. In John 12, we read of a supper in Bethany given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, Lazarus reclined at the table, and Mary did something unforgettable:
“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.”
(John 12:3)
This act was extravagant. The perfume was worth 300 denarii, which is an entire year’s wages. Judas objected, calling it wasteful. But Jesus defended Mary:
“Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial.”
(John 12:7)
Mary understood something others did not. She discerned the shadow of the cross and poured out her treasure in advance. Her devotion was prophetic, sacrificial, and deeply personal. Wiping His feet with her hair was an act of humility, love, and worship unlike any other.
Matthew and Mark record Jesus’ stunning affirmation:
“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
(Matthew 26:13)
Mary’s name may not carry apostolic authority, but her act of love became part of the Gospel proclamation. Why? Because she embodied the essence of true discipleship: surrender without reservation, love without measure, and worship without shame.
What Scripture Reveals About Mary’s Heart
When we gather these moments together, a pattern emerges:
Mary is always found at the feet of Jesus: listening, grieving, and worshiping.
She prioritizes His presence over activity (Luke 10).
She brings her sorrow honestly to Him (John 11).
She offers her treasure without holding back (John 12).
Her life teaches us that intimacy with Christ is worth more than public recognition, that brokenness brought to Him becomes a place of encounter, and that worship is costly yet beautiful.
My Final Thoughts
Mary of Bethany was not a preacher or missionary; she never wrote a book or led a movement. Yet Jesus said her act of devotion would be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached. Why? Because the heart of Christianity is not about what we accomplish for Him, but about what we pour out at His feet.
Mary’s testimony calls us to choose the better part: to sit, to listen, to love, to give Him our best. In a world obsessed with doing, may we learn from Mary how to simply be; with Jesus, at His feet, in surrender and adoration.
