John 11:2

(It was that Mary which anoynted the Lord with oyntment, and wiped his feete with her haire, whose brother Lazarus was sicke.) John 11:2 (KJV)

John 11 is a significant chapter in the Gospel of John, where we see the powerful miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. In verse 2 we learn about Mary, the sister of Lazarus, and the Gospel later records that she anointed Jesus with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair (see John 12:1‑8). This reference connects to the account in John 12:1‑8, where Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, an act that drew criticism from Judas Iscariot but was defended by Jesus as significant for His impending death and burial.

Mary’s act of anointing Jesus was an extravagant and deeply personal expression of devotion. By anointing Him with expensive perfume and wiping His feet with her hair, she demonstrated her love, humility, and reverence for Jesus as the Lord. Her use of costly perfume and the intimate gesture of wiping His feet with her hair honored Him in a way that reflected her understanding of His identity as the Messiah.

Anointing with oil was a common practice to honor kings or prophets in the Old Testament. By anointing Jesus, Mary acknowledged Him as the Anointed One and expressed her faith in His divine nature and authority. This recognition of Jesus’ identity underscores the depth of her devotion and the significance of her act.

The mention of Lazarus’ sickness in John 11:2 establishes the context for the miracle of his resurrection, highlighting the close relationship between Jesus and the siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Lazarus’ illness and subsequent death provided an opportunity for Jesus to demonstrate His power over death and to reveal Himself as “the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25).

In conclusion, John 11:2 provides valuable insights into Mary’s family background, her profound devotion, her recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, and the connection between her act of anointing (recorded later in John 12) and the miraculous events surrounding Lazarus’ sickness and resurrection. It reminds us of the depth of Mary’s love for Jesus and her faith in His divine authority.