John 11:2 – “This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.”
Extended Explanation
This verse gives us an important detail about Mary, the sister of Lazarus. John clarifies that this is the same Mary who later anointed Jesus with perfume and wiped His feet with her hair. By including this detail, John helps the reader connect the dots between different moments in Jesus’ ministry.
At this point in the story, John hasn’t yet told the story of Mary’s act of devotion—he will do that in John 12:1-8. But he assumes his readers already know about it, possibly from the accounts in Matthew 26:6-13 or Mark 14:3-9. This connection highlights Mary’s deep love for Jesus and shows that her faith in Him was personal and sacrificial.
This verse also continues setting the stage for the great miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection. It reminds us that this is not just a random family but one that was deeply connected to Jesus. Their faith and their suffering will both be on display in the coming verses.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, women were often in the background of religious life, yet Mary stands out as a devoted follower of Jesus. The fact that she publicly anointed Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair was significant. Normally, a woman would never let down her hair in public—it was seen as an intimate act. By doing so, she showed her complete humility and surrender to Jesus.
Perfume was also expensive. Some historians suggest that the perfume Mary used was worth about a year’s wages (John 12:5). This means her act of worship was costly—she was willing to give Jesus something of great value.
John’s reference to Mary’s future act of worship reminds readers that love for Jesus should be expressed in action. Her devotion would later stand in contrast to Judas, who saw her act as wasteful.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us that faith in Jesus is not just about belief—it’s about love and worship. Mary’s devotion was heartfelt and sacrificial. Her relationship with Jesus was personal, and she wasn’t afraid to show her love for Him in a way that others might not understand.
It also points to the reality that Jesus is worthy of our greatest treasures. Mary didn’t hold back when it came to honoring Him. This challenges us to ask: do we give Jesus our best, or do we hold something back?
Additionally, this verse foreshadows Jesus’ coming death. In John 12, Jesus says that Mary’s anointing was “for the day of my burial” (John 12:7). This reminds us that Jesus’ journey to the cross was not accidental—it was planned, and those who loved Him were already being drawn into that story.
Literary Analysis
John writes in a way that helps readers connect events, even when they are not in chronological order. Here, he references a future event before he describes it later in his Gospel. This is a technique used to help emphasize the importance of Mary’s act of devotion.
The verse also acts as a character marker. It reminds readers that Mary, the woman who poured perfume on Jesus, had a deep relationship with Him. This connection adds weight to the emotions of the coming story—when Lazarus dies, it is not just any family suffering but one with a deep, personal bond with Jesus.
By including this detail early, John also subtly hints at the theme of love versus betrayal. Mary’s act of love in John 12 will stand in contrast to Judas’ betrayal shortly after.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 12:1-8 – The full account of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume.
- Luke 10:38-42 – The story of Mary and Martha, where Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to learn from Him.
- Matthew 26:6-13 & Mark 14:3-9 – Other Gospel accounts of a woman anointing Jesus with perfume, which may refer to the same event or a similar one.
- Romans 12:1 – “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Shows that worship involves giving our best to God.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that devotion to Jesus should be personal and costly. Mary’s act of love was extravagant—she didn’t hold anything back. Today, we are called to love Jesus in the same way, not just with words but with our actions, our time, and our resources.
It also challenges us to think about how we worship Jesus. Are we willing to give Him our best, even if others don’t understand? True worship is not about impressing others but about honoring Jesus.
Additionally, this verse reminds us that Jesus sees and values acts of love. The world may overlook quiet acts of devotion, but God does not. Just as Mary’s story has been remembered for centuries, our love for Jesus, no matter how small, is never wasted.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is personal, and He values those who love Him in return. This verse highlights the close relationship between Jesus and Mary’s family. God does not see us as distant followers but as beloved children.
It also reminds us that God receives our worship, even when others misunderstand it. Mary’s love for Jesus was expressed in a way that some found shocking, yet Jesus accepted it fully. In the same way, God delights in our sincere worship, no matter how the world sees it.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Mary’s act of anointing Jesus points to His death and burial. When she poured perfume on Him, it symbolized that Jesus was the true King, worthy of honor. It also foreshadowed His sacrifice—He was about to give everything for us, just as Mary had given her most valuable possession for Him.
This verse also connects to Jesus’ role as the one who receives worship. In the Old Testament, worship was reserved for God alone. The fact that Jesus accepted Mary’s act of devotion shows that He is more than just a teacher—He is God in the flesh, worthy of our highest honor.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does Mary’s devotion teach us about worship?
- Have you ever given something costly to Jesus—whether time, money, or effort? What was the result?
- How does this verse challenge you to express your love for Jesus in daily life?
- Do you sometimes hold back in your faith because of what others might think? How can Mary’s example encourage you?
- What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ relationship with those who love Him?