What we are able to learn from Mary of Bethany

Every 12 months on March 8, the world marks International Women’s Day – a moment to have a good time the achievements, courage and influence of ladies across cultures and generations.

Often the stories highlighted are those of leadership, innovation or social change. But the Bible offers a special sort of example of strength and devotion within the story of Mary of Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper. Her actions may not appear glamorous or empowering in the best way the fashionable world defines these traits, yet they reveal a profound lesson about love, sacrifice and recognising the true value of Christ.

The shocking act at Bethany

Mary was the sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, and Martha (John 11:1-2). Just a few days before the Passover, a dinner was held in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper (Mark 14:1-3; Matthew 26:6). During the gathering, Mary did something that shocked everyone present.

She took an alabaster jar crammed with pure nard and poured it out on Jesus (John 12:3; Mark 14:3). Nard was an especially expensive perfume value about 300 denarii – roughly a 12 months’s wages on the time, since a denarius was the standard every day wage (Mark 14:5; Matthew 20:2). In modern terms, its value may very well be in comparison with tens of 1000’s of kilos. Some Gospel accounts also describe Mary wiping Jesus’ feet along with her hair (John 12:3).

To those watching, her actions seemed outrageous. From Judas to the opposite disciples, all were appalled (John 12:4-5; Mark 14:4). They saw the perfume as being wasted and argued that it might have been sold and the cash given to the poor (Mark 14:5; John 12:5). Their response may sound familiar. Even today, we’d read this story and feel confused or uncomfortable. Was this not excessive? Wasteful even?

The extravagance of God’s love: seeing the true value of Christ

But Jesus saw the moment in a different way. He called what she had done “a lovely thing” (Mark 14:6). More than that, He declared that wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, her story would even be told (Mark 14:9; Matthew 26:13). Yet if we’re honest, how often will we actually hear about Mary of Bethany once we have a good time great achievements?

Why did Jesus honour her so highly? Because while others saw waste, Mary saw the Lord’s value. She recognised who Jesus truly was. Her act reflected the guts of the gospel itself: that the Son of God left His heavenly throne and entered a broken world to avoid wasting sinners, ultimately giving His life on the cross (John 3:16; Philippians 2:6-8; Romans 5:7-8).

From a purely logical perspective, that love might appear just as extravagant as Mary’s perfume. Was humanity deserving of such sacrifice? Has the entire world accepted Him? If judged by easy calculation, it’d even seem wasteful.

Yet like Mary offered her most precious possession to Jesus, God sacrificed His most precious gift – His Son – out of affection (Romans 8:32; John 3:16; 1 John 4:10). True love often appears illogical. It leaves the ninety-nine sheep to go looking for the one which is lost (Luke 15:4). It rejoices over the finding of a single coin with a celebration greater than the coin itself is value (Luke 15:8-9). It welcomes home the prodigal son with joy (Luke 15:20-24).

Mary’s act reflected this same sort of love. In Jewish culture, a girl’s hair was closely tied to her honour and dignity, yet she used it to wipe Jesus’ feet (1 Corinthians 11:5-6,11; John 12:3). In doing so, she humbled herself completely before Him. Jesus Himself would soon do the identical in a good greater way. He would give up His honour, endure mockery, beatings and humiliation, and suffer death on a cross, bestowing His spiritual riches on us who’re spiritually needy (Isaiah 53:3-5; Mark 15:15-20; 2 Corinthians 8:9).

Mary’s motion also carried deep symbolic meaning. Oil was utilized in the Old Testament to anoint kings, and in pouring out the perfume, Mary was unknowingly recognising Jesus because the true King (1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Kings 1:39; Zechariah 9:9; John 18:37; Revelation 19:16). At the identical time, she was preparing His body for burial – something Jesus Himself acknowledged, as His crucifixion was only days away (Mark 14:8; John 12:7).

She understood His value. That is why she didn’t offer a small portion or a cautious gift. She poured out every part. While others misunderstood the moment, Mary responded with wholehearted devotion while Jesus was still with them.

The lessons from Mary of Bethany

Her story reminds us to stay spiritually awake. The disciples were physically present with Jesus, yet they failed to know the importance of what was unfolding. Mary saw what others missed.

She also challenges us to not measure love with a calculating mindset. The gospel invites us to reply freely and generously – giving our time, talents, resources and lives in devotion to Christ while we still can. She teaches us to see and receive the unconditional love of God – and to answer it with every part now we have (1 John 4:19; Romans 5:8).

And perhaps probably the most powerful lesson is that this: Mary was not concerned about how others would judge her actions. She humbled herself before the Lord without shame.

In God’s kingdom, true honour is present in humility. Those who lower themselves will likely be lifted up (Luke 14:11). Those who pour themselves out will likely be filled (Luke 6:38).

That is why Jesus said her story could be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. And perhaps that’s probably the most remarkable achievement of all – one worthy of reflection not only on International Women’s Day, but each day.

Dear reader, what would it not appear like so that you can be a Mary of Bethany this present day? May we, like her, have eyes to see the price of Christ, hearts courageous enough to reply, and hands willing to pour out every part at His feet.