Mary of Bethany

Follow Mary of Bethany's Biblical Journey

Bethany

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Mary sits at Jesus' feet listening to His teaching while her sister Martha busies herself with preparations. When Martha complains, Jesus defends Mary's choice to prioritize His words over household duties. This moment highlights the importance of spiritual devotion over worldly concerns.

LUK.10.38

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

Events

The raising of LazarusJHN 11:43

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Updated on August 16, 2026

Mary of Bethany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She chose to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from him rather than be distracted by serving. She anointed Jesus with expensive perfume shortly before his death, an act Jesus praised and said would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.

Read the full story of Mary of Bethany

Journey Timeline

Jesus' Ministryc. 30-32 AD
Bethany
Mary sits at Jesus' feet listening to His teaching while her sister Martha busies herself with preparations. When Martha complains, Jesus defends Mary's choice to prioritize His words over household duties. This moment highlights the importance of spiritual devotion over worldly concerns.
LUK 10:38-42
Lazarus' Death and Resurrectionc. 32 AD
Bethany
Mary grieves deeply when her brother Lazarus dies, and when Jesus arrives four days later, she falls at His feet weeping. She expresses faith that if Jesus had been there, Lazarus would not have died. Jesus is moved by her grief and proceeds to raise Lazarus from the dead.
JHN 11:1-44
The Anointing at Bethanyc. 33 AD
Bethany
Six days before Passover, Mary takes a pound of costly pure nard and anoints Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. The fragrance fills the house, and though Judas criticizes the expense, Jesus defends her action, saying she has prepared His body for burial. This act of devotion demonstrates her understanding of Jesus' approaching death.
JHN 12:1-8
Post-Resurrection Periodc. 33-50 AD
Bethany
Though not explicitly mentioned in post-resurrection accounts, Mary likely continued as part of the early Christian community in Bethany. Her home had been a place of refuge and fellowship for Jesus and the disciples, and would have remained significant to the early church.
ACT 1:14