Mary of Bethany
Sister of Martha and Lazarus. She sat at Jesus' feet listening to him and later anointed his feet with costly ointment.
- Knew Jesus personally
Awaiting theological review
What we know — and how
Scripture tells us
- Jesus said she had chosen the better part; six days before the Passover she anointed his feet.(Luke 10:38–42; John 11:32; John 12:1–8)
Historians debate
- Western tradition long identified her with Mary Magdalene and the sinful woman of Luke 7; most scholars and today's liturgy distinguish them.
Key passages