Mary of Bethany was the sister of Lazarus and Martha. Jesus was a frequent visitor to the home of Lazarus, and while he taught, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus. Mary was a worshiper. The more she learned from Christ, the more she wanted to learn. The night before Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a dinner was given in His honor at the home of Lazarus. It was on this evening that Mary washed Jesus’ feet with oil and dried them with her hair. When Judas Iscariot complained, Jesus informed him that Mary was preparing him for his burial.

Mary was a faithful worshiper; she had sat at the feet of Jesus throughout His ministry. Because sitting at the feet of Jesus was Mary’s top priority, she probably heard, and more importantly, understood things that others did not. Jesus had told His told His disciples on numerous occasions that His time earth would be short, and yet they did not comprehend the full meaning of His ministry. On Christ’s last visit to Bethany, Mary knew in her heart and in her spirit Jesus’ time had come to fulfill the Scriptures. So with humility and honor, she anointed Christ.

The story of Mary of Bethany can be found in John 11–12.