Which Mary Anointed Jesus Feet With Perfume
There are several Marys in the Bible, and it can be confusing to determine which one anointed Jesus' feet with perfume. However, there are several accounts in the Bible that can help us identify the Mary in question.
Mary of Bethany
One of the most popular theories is that the Mary who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume was Mary of Bethany. This Mary is mentioned several times in the Bible, and she is known for her close relationship with Jesus.
In John 11:1-2, we learn that Mary of Bethany had a brother named Lazarus who Jesus raised from the dead. In Luke 10:38-42, we learn that Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to his teachings, while her sister Martha was busy with household chores.
In John 12:1-8, we learn that Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wiped them with her hair. Judas Iscariot criticized her for wasting the perfume, but Jesus defended her actions and said that she had done a beautiful thing for him.
Mary Magdalene
Another theory is that the Mary who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume was Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene is mentioned several times in the Bible, and she is known for being one of Jesus' most devoted followers.
In Luke 8:2, we learn that Mary Magdalene was one of the women who traveled with Jesus and his disciples and supported them out of their own means. In Mark 16:9, we learn that Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection.
However, there is no direct evidence in the Bible that Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus' feet with perfume. The story is only told in the accounts of Mary of Bethany.
Other Marys
There are several other Marys mentioned in the Bible, but they are less likely to be the one who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume. These include:
- Mary, the mother of Jesus
- Mary, the wife of Clopas
- Mary, the mother of James and Joseph
None of these Marys are mentioned in the accounts of the anointing of Jesus' feet with perfume.
Conclusion
While there are several Marys in the Bible, the most likely candidate for the Mary who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume is Mary of Bethany. However, there is no definitive answer, and it remains a topic of debate among scholars and theologians.