Which Mary Poured Perfume On Jesus Feet
One of the most touching stories in the Bible is the account of a woman who poured an expensive perfume on Jesus' feet. However, there is often confusion about who this woman was. Some people believe that it was Mary Magdalene, while others think it was another Mary who was not named in the Bible. Let's explore this story and find out who the woman was.
The Story of Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene was a follower of Jesus who is mentioned several times in the Gospels. She was from the town of Magdala in Galilee and was known for her devotion to Jesus. Some people believe that she was the woman who poured perfume on Jesus' feet, but this is not supported by the Bible.
The Other Mary
The woman who poured perfume on Jesus' feet is actually identified in the Bible as Mary of Bethany. She was the sister of Martha and Lazarus, and she is also mentioned in the Gospels as being a close friend of Jesus. In John 12:3, it says that Mary "took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair."
The Significance of the Perfume
The perfume that Mary used was very expensive, and some of the disciples were upset that it was wasted on Jesus' feet instead of being sold and the money given to the poor. However, Jesus rebuked them and said that Mary had done a beautiful thing for Him. He also said that wherever the Gospel was preached, her story would be told as a testimony to her faith.
The Symbolism of Washing Feet
In Biblical times, washing someone's feet was a sign of humility and servitude. It was a job that was usually done by a servant or slave. When Jesus washed His disciples' feet at the Last Supper, He was demonstrating His love for them and teaching them a lesson about serving others. Mary's act of washing Jesus' feet with perfume was a similar expression of love and devotion.
The Connection to Easter
The story of Mary pouring perfume on Jesus' feet is often associated with Easter because it took place just before Jesus' crucifixion. It is a reminder that Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him and that He willingly went to the cross to save us from our sins. Mary's act of anointing His feet was a way of showing her love and gratitude for all that He had done and was about to do.
The Lessons We Can Learn
There are several lessons that we can learn from the story of Mary pouring perfume on Jesus' feet. First, we can learn about the importance of expressing our love and devotion to Jesus. Second, we can learn about the value of humility and servitude. Finally, we can learn about the significance of Easter and what Jesus did for us on the cross.
In Conclusion
The story of Mary pouring perfume on Jesus' feet is a beautiful and touching account of love and devotion. While there is often confusion about who the woman was, the Bible clearly identifies her as Mary of Bethany. Her act of anointing Jesus' feet with perfume was a sign of her love and gratitude for all that He had done and was about to do. It is a reminder to us all of the importance of expressing our love and devotion to Jesus and serving others with humility and grace.