John 11:2
It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John emphasizes that this was "that Mary" known for her intimate devotion, setting her apart and foreshadowing the profound act of worship she would later perform. This detail highlights not just her familiarity with Jesus, but her unique spiritual sensitivity, even before the well-known anointing incident John will later recount.
John is introducing the miraculous raising of Lazarus, highlighting the close relationship Jesus had with this family. He identifies Lazarus as the brother of Mary and Martha, and importantly, points out that this Mary is the same one who would later anoint Jesus lavishly and wipe His feet with her hair. This verse emphasizes the deep love and familiarity between Jesus and this household, setting the stage for the dramatic events about to unfold.
We hear names like Mary and Lazarus, but what makes them stand out in Jesus' story? This verse connects them to a significant act that defined Mary.
John isn't just giving us names; he's giving us context. When he mentions "that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair," he's referencing a specific, well-known event.
A Definitive Act
Jesus loved Lazarus's family, yet He waited. Why would someone so deeply loved experience a delay in help?
This passage reveals a profound truth about God's love: it doesn't always mean immediate rescue from hardship.
The Paradox of Divine Love
Understand the original words
Kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of supreme authority, respect, and divinity, frequently used for Jesus in the New Testament to signify His sovereignty and lordship over creation and the church.
John uses the well-known act of Mary anointing Jesus' feet to identify her and establish her close relationship with Jesus, highlighting the deep affection and familiarity that motivated her urgent call for help when her brother was sick.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Anoints the Feet of a Sinner
In Luke's Gospel, a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with fragrant oil in the house of Simon the Pharisee, an event that occurred earlier in Jesus' ministry.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Visits Bethany
Jesus visits the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in Bethany, where Martha is distracted with serving while Mary sits at Jesus' feet listening.
c. AD 30 (approx. 6 days before Passover)— this verse
Mary Anoints Jesus' Feet at Bethany
Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair, an act that John's Gospel likely references here as a well-known event.
c. AD 30
Lazarus Falls Ill and Dies
Lazarus becomes seriously ill, and his sisters Martha and Mary send word to Jesus, who is staying nearby.
This passage describes a sinful woman anointing Jesus' feet with tears and perfume, drawing a parallel to Mary's act, though commentators distinguish them. It highlights a theme of loving devotion expressed through anointing.
Matthew 26:6-7This passage also recounts an anointing of Jesus with expensive perfume, showing a recurring act of devotion that John likely refers to as well-known by the time he wrote.
John 12:3-5This passage directly describes Mary anointing Jesus' feet with costly perfume, explicitly fulfilling and clarifying the reference made in John 11:2.
John 20:1-2This passage shows Mary Magdalene at the tomb, demonstrating her deep devotion to Jesus. It connects with John 11:2 by showcasing a prominent female disciple's personal relationship and service to Jesus.
Luke 10:38-42This passage introduces Mary and Martha, showing Mary sitting at Jesus' feet listening to His word, establishing her character of devotion and spiritual focus, which underlies the anointing described in John 11:2.
barnesJohn 11:2: "(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)"
It was that Mary ... - See the Matthew 26:6 note; Luke 7:36-50 notes.
vincentJohn 11:2: "(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)"
Anointed (ἀλείψασα)Three words for anointing are found in the New Testament: ἀλείφω, χρίω, and its compounds, and μυρίζω. The last is used but once, Mark 14:8, of anointing the Lord's body for burying. Between the two others the distinction is strictly maintained. Χρίω, which occurs five times, is used in every case but one of the anointing of the Son b…
John emphasizes that this was "that Mary" known for her intimate devotion, setting her apart and foreshadowing the profound act of worship she would later perform. This detail highlights not just her familiarity with Jesus, but her unique spiritual sensitivity, even before the well-known anointing incident John will later recount.
John is introducing the miraculous raising of Lazarus, highlighting the close relationship Jesus had with this family. He identifies Lazarus as the brother of Mary and Martha, and importantly, points out that this Mary is the same one who would later anoint Jesus lavishly and wipe His feet with her hair. This verse emphasizes the deep love and familiarity between Jesus and this household, setting the stage for the dramatic events about to unfold.
John is introducing the miraculous raising of Lazarus, highlighting the close relationship Jesus had with this family. He identifies Lazarus as the brother of Mary and Martha, and importantly, points out that this Mary is the same one who would later anoint Jesus lavishly and wipe His feet with her hair. This verse emphasizes the deep love and familiarity between Jesus and this household, setting the stage for the dramatic events about to unfold.
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"It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill." — John emphasizes that this was "that Mary" known for her intimate devotion, setting her apart and foreshadowing the profound act of worship she would later perform. This detail highlights not just her…
