Topical Encyclopedia Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for her devotion to Jesus Christ. She is mentioned in the Gospels of Luke and John, where her actions and interactions with Jesus provide insight into her character and faith.Family and Background Mary lived in the village of Bethany, near Jerusalem, with her siblings Lazarus and Martha. The family appears to have been well-known and respected, as their home was a place where Jesus often visited. The Gospel of John identifies Bethany as the location where Jesus performed the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). Devotion to Jesus Mary is best known for her acts of devotion and worship towards Jesus. In Luke 10:38-42, Mary is depicted as sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching, while her sister Martha is preoccupied with the tasks of hospitality. When Martha expresses frustration that Mary is not helping, Jesus commends Mary for choosing "the good part," which will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:42). This passage highlights Mary's desire to prioritize spiritual nourishment and her deep reverence for Jesus' words. Anointing of Jesus Another significant event involving Mary is her anointing of Jesus. In John 12:1-8, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair. This act of worship occurs six days before the Passover, in the home of Simon the leper, during a dinner given in Jesus' honor. The fragrance of the perfume filled the house, symbolizing the depth of her devotion. When Judas Iscariot criticizes her for what he perceives as wastefulness, Jesus defends Mary, saying, "Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume for the day of My burial" (John 12:7). This anointing is seen as a prophetic act, foreshadowing Jesus' impending death and burial. Faith and Witness Mary's faith is further demonstrated in the account of Lazarus' death and resurrection. When Jesus arrives in Bethany after Lazarus has died, Mary, along with Martha, expresses her belief in Jesus' power and authority. Her interaction with Jesus in John 11:32-33 shows her deep sorrow and trust in Him, as she falls at His feet and says, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32). Jesus' response, moved by her weeping, leads to the miraculous raising of Lazarus, which strengthens the faith of many witnesses. Legacy Mary, the sister of Lazarus, is remembered for her profound love and devotion to Jesus. Her actions exemplify a heart fully surrendered to Christ, prioritizing spiritual intimacy over worldly concerns. Her account encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, valuing His presence and teachings above all else. Through her life, Mary serves as a model of worship, faith, and the transformative power of encountering the Savior. Smith's Bible Dictionary Sister of Lazarus MaryShe and her sister Martha appear in (Luke 10:40) as receiving Christ in their house. Mary sat listening eagerly for every word that fell from the divine Teacher. She had chosen that good part, the "one thing needful." The same character shows itself in the history of (John 11:1) ... Her grief was deeper, but less active. Her first thought, when she saw the Teacher in whose power and love she that trusted, was one of complaint. But the great joy and love which her brother's return to life called up in her poured themselves out in larger measure than had been seen before. The treasured alabaster box of ointment was brought forth at the final feast of Bethany. (John 12:3) Greek 3137. Maria -- Mary, the name of several Christian women ... mar-ee'-ah) Short Definition: Mary, Miriam Definition: Mary, Miriam, (a) the mother of Jesus, (b) of Magdala, (c) sister of Martha and Lazarus, (d) wife of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3137.htm - 6k 3136. Martha -- Martha, a Christian woman Library The Raising of Lazarus. Jesus, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life The Death of Lazarus. --Christ's Conversation with Martha (John ... Passages Referring to Bethany in the Sacred Narrative. Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus. The Resurrection of Lazarus. The Resurrection of Lazarus The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful The Family of Lazarus. --Martha and Mary; their Different Resources Who was Amnon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God punish Pharaoh for Abram's lie (Genesis 12:17)? | GotQuestions.org Are apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God? | GotQuestions.org Sister: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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