Introduction

As part of a larger narrative of the Gospel of John, this paper is directed to describe the character of
Mary, the sister of Mary and Lazarus.

Historical context

The book of John is considered to be the Fourth Gospel from the four gospels (Matthew, Mark and
Luke). However, it has been an on-going argument whether this book should be part of the epistles.

It was presupposed the dominant early church tradition that John wrote the gospel near the end of the
first century to churches in and around Ephesus in western Asia Minor. 1 The work of a great author, the
Apostle St John, the son of Zebedee, who composed and wrote it in a substantial continuity. 2

The repeated use of ‘disciples’ to refer to the Twelve, rather than ‘apostles’, is a hint of an early, less
hierarchically-structured church life; those who think the Gospel is late use the same date to suggest
that this Gospel is being written after the apostles have all died. 3

It was distinguished that there is an implied author of the Fourth Gospel, simply by virtue of its being a
narrative. It was suggested that the implied author is none other than the beloved disciple. 4

The author’s intent ------

Mary, the sister of Martha

Mary, [perhaps] “beloved’ or “plump” occurs in the Bible 54 times. 5 In the gospels including Acts, Mary
refers to the mother of Jesus (Mt. 1:16; Acts 1:14); Mary, wife of Clopas, mother of James (Mk. 15:40;
Lk. 24:10; Jn. 19:25); Mary Magdalene (Mt. 27:56; Lk. 20:180); Sister of Martha and Lazarus (Lk. 10:39;
Jn. 11:1; 12:3); Mother of John, surnamed Mark, (Acts 12:120; and a Christian at Rome (Rom. 16:6). 6 But
in the context of John chapter 11, it was Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus that was pictured out.

She and her sister Martha appear in (Luke 10:40 ) as receiving Christ in their house. Mary sat listening
eagerly for every word that fell from the divine Teacher. She had chosen that good part, the "one thing
needful." The same character shows itself in the history of (John 11:1) ... Her grief was deeper, but less
active. Her first thought, when she saw the Teacher in whose power and love she that trusted, was one
of complaint. But the great joy and love which her brother’s return to life called up in her poured

1
44 Blomberg
2
This opinion was held very early; according to Clement of Alexandria, John was the last
evangelist who composed his "spiritual" Gospel, at the urging of his friends and enlightened
by the Spirit (Eusebius, Hist. eccles., VI, 14, 7); the legend given in the Muratorian Canon,
lines 9-16, supposes a similar view; according to the Latin prologue to the Gospels (date
disputed), the Gospel of John was produced and published (mani(estatum el datum est) while
John was still alive, and Papias wrote it down at John's dictation. Snackenberg, 59.
3
69 Carson
4
64 Carson
5
Step Bible. https://www.stepbible.org/?q=version=ESV|reference=John.11&options=VNHUG
6
Step Bible, https://www.stepbible.org/?q=strong=G3137|version=ESV&options=VNHUG&qFilter=G3137
themselves out in larger measure than had been seen before. The treasured alabaster box of ointment
was brought forth at the final feast of Bethany (John 12:3). 7

Literary Context

The traditional view that the fourth gospel was written in Ephesus. It was suggested that Asia was
allotted to John when the apostles were dispersed at the outbreak of the Jewish War (AD 66-70). 8

Theologically, a major emphasis for John is to present Jesus as the true fulfillment of the meaning of the
major Jewish festivals and institutions. Thus chapters 2-4 present four episodes from Jesus’ earliest
period of ministry, not found in the Synoptics, in order to stress four ways in which Jesus’ ministry brings
something new: a new joy, a new temple, a new birth and a new universal offer of salvation (Blomberg
1997:224-231). John 5-11 focuses exclusively on the relationship between Jesus and various Jewish
festivals: the Sabbath, Passover, Tabernacles and Dedication. The last major section of John that
presents material entirely unparalleled in the Synoptics is Jesus’ farewell discourse and final prayer (14-
17), and these contain the most concentrated cluster of distinctive Johannine themes anywhere in this
Gospel (Blomberg 1997:334-340). 9

The structure of the Gospel as a whole displays a notably dramatic element (see above, ch. i), which
makes it different from the Synoptics in the way the action develops and reaches its climax. The
skilfulness of the presentation is, however, also apparent in the longer individual episodes, of which the
most notable examples have been treated by Windisch, the Samaritan episode ( 4: 1-42), the cure of the
blind man (ch. 9) and the raising of Lazarus (cf. 11). But there are other parts which deserve to be
mentioned here, such as the complex of narrative in ch. 6, introduced by the multiplication of the
loaves, and the Resurrection narrative ( ch. 20). 10

The Resurrection narratives are also so disposed that the reader shares the feelings of the women, the
two disciples hurrying to the tomb, Mary Magdalene and the Twelve. With them he comes to an ever
increasing certainty in his faith, or with Thomas, first sceptical and then conquered by the risen Lord and
moved to a supreme expression of faith, he finds himself challenged to make his own act of faith. 11

Detailed Analysis

The narrative of John 11:1-45 describe the death of Lazarus, a brother of Mary and Martha. At the onset
the narrator meant Lazarus as the main theme of the chapter but also pointing the setting of the story,
Bethany, where the two sisters, Mary and Martha lived (v.1). 12 An eastern slope of the Mount of Olives,
less than two miles from Jerusalem.13
7
Smith Bible dictionary, https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/smiths-bible-dictionary/mary-sister-of-
lazarus.html
8
72 Carson
9
66 Blomberg
10
Vindisch, "Der Johanneische Erziihlungsstil". See also Schmid, "Die Komposition der Samaria-Szene, .Toh 4: 1-42";
Connick, "The Dramatic Character of the Fourth Gospel". “Ibid. pp. 178-86. Schnackenburg, 114.
11
Schnackenburg, 115.
12
John 11: 1 (Good News Translation), “A man named Lazarus, who lived in Bethany, became sick. Bethany was the
town where Mary and her sister Martha lived.”
13
Bible Commentary, “Jesus the guest of martha and mary”, the fourfold gospel,
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/the-fourfold-gospel/by-sections/jesus-the-guest-of-martha-and-
mary.html
And distinctively, the narrator again specifically emphasized the presence of “Mary” as the woman who
anointed the Lord’s feet with perfume and wiped them with her hair. 14 This scenario was actually
narrated in full in chapter 12 describing the impending death of Jesus. 15 This could simply be literary
forshadowing of 12:1-8, but it reads somewhat more naturally as if the narrator knows that his audience
will have learned of more than one Mary in the gospel tradition and that he is clarifying which one is in
view by referring to a well-known event associated with her. 16

This implies that Mary had a distinct position in the narrative. Also, the narrator suggests that the
emphasis or focus serve as a preliminary of Mary’s role in the next chapter of the narrative.

While in verse 3, the narrator described that the two sisters sent word to Jesus that Lazarus is sick. In
this passage, the narrator did not write about the death of Lazarus but that he is sick only. It could be
that the time this message was sent to Jesus, Lazarus was not yet dead.

Also, this passage gives the reader that the sisters and Lazarus had a close relationship since the time
Jesus and the disciples lived and ministered to them. In other bible translations, it was written “Lord,
behold, he whom you love is sick,” – the narrator emphasized Jesus’ love for Lazarus. 17 The first time
Mary and Martha met Jesus and the disciples was narrated in Luke chapter 10. 18 On which, the story of
Martha and Mary began wherein the narrator described Martha being distracted with the preparation
while Mary sitting and listening at Jesus’ feet. This was the first introduction of Mary giving full devotion
to Christ. Instead of helping Marth preparing meals, Jesus told Martha that she had chosen the right
thing and it will not be taken away from her. 19

The narrator then brings introduction to the plot of the passage by using the situation of Lazarus
described in verse 4. Jesus received the message and had told that the final result of this sickness is not
the death of Lazarus instead it happened in order to bring glory to God. 20 The narrator then described in
verse 5 that Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. 21 Another emphasis of the narrator of the main
characters of the passage. But also an added emphasis from verse 3 that aside from Lazarus, Mary and
Martha is also loved by Jesus. Hence, the narrator gives the readers that these three are all loved by
Jesus.

14
John 11: 2 (GNT), “(This Mary was the one who poured the perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her
hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was sick.)
15
John 12:3 (GNT), “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet
and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
16
53 Blomberg
17
John 11:3 (NASB), “So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom you love is sick."
18
Luke 10:38-42 (GNT), “38 As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he came to a village where a woman
named Martha welcomed him in her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord
and listened to his teaching. 40 Martha was upset over all the work she had to do, so she came and said, "Lord,
don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!" 41 The Lord
answered her, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, 42 but just one is needed.
Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her."
19
Luke 10:42 (GNT), “The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things,
but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her.”
20
John 11:4 (GNT), “When Jesus heard it, he said, "The final result of this sickness will not be the death of Lazarus;
this has happened in order to bring glory to God, and it will be the means by which the Son of God will receive
glory."
21
John 11:5 (GNT), “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”
But then, instead of visiting quickly Lazarus and the two sisters, he stayed where he was for another two
days.22 And he had told the disciples that they will go back to Judea. 23 On which the disciples tried to
stop Jesus from going – the narrator described what Jesus had experienced when they were there
before and Jesus explained to them by describing the hours of the day. 24

While in verse 11, the narrator described the urgency of Jesus to go to Lazarus and awaken him out of
sleep. And the disciples did not respond to the urgency by responding in verse 12, “If he is asleep, Lord,
he will get well but Jesus knew Lazarus is dead but they thought he was only sleeping.” 25 This implies to
the readers that the disciples are not yet understanding what Jesus meant in awaking Lazarus from
sleep. But Jesus had explained to them in plain words and after Jesus had told, the narrator brings in a
new character in the passage, Thomas (called the Twin), suggesting that Jesus and the disciples agreed
to go to Lazarus.26

In verse 17-19, the narrator described the situation when Jesus arrived in Bethany – another emphasis
of the setting as to being significant since the narrator described the distance of it from Jerusalem and
the presence of many Jews comforting Mary and Martha. 27 This situation implies to a cultural context of
the community in holding burials.

The narrator then described Martha meeting Jesus from his arrival and had a conversation with Jesus
describing her complaint and Jesus comforted her with the words declaring that he is the resurrection
and the life and Martha had believed. 28 On verse 20, the narrator described that Mary stayed in the
house instead of going to meet Jesus with Martha. It could be that Mary did not know that Martha was
going given with the crowd surrounding them to comfort them as they mourn. But the narrator
mentioned that right after she talked to Jesus, she went to Mary and told her that Jesus arrived in
private.29 This section, the word “teacher”30 was used again.

22
John 11:6 (GNT), “Yet when he received the news that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more
days.”
23
John 11:7 (GNT), “Then he said to the disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."
24
John 11:8-10 (GNT), “"Teacher," the disciples answered, "Just a short time ago the people there wanted to stone
you; and are you planning to go back? Jesus said, "A day has twelve hours, doesn't it? So those who walk in broad
daylight do not stumble, for they see the light of this world. But if they walk during the night they stumble,
because they have no light."
25
John 11:11-13 (GNT), “Jesus said this and then added, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I will go and
wake him up. The disciples answered, "If he is asleep, Lord, he will get well. Jesus meant that Lazarus had died, but
they thought he meant natural sleep."
26
John 11:14 (GNT), “So Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, but for your sake I am glad that I was not with
him, so that you will believe. Let us go to him. Thomas (called the Twin) said to his fellow disciples, "Let us all go
along with the Teacher, so that we may die with him!"
27
John 17-19 (GNT), “When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had been buried four days before. Bethany was
less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Judeans had come to see Martha and Mary to comfort them about
their brother's death.”
28
John 11:20-27 (GNT), “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed in
the house. Martha said to Jesus, "If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died! But I know that
even now God will give you whatever you ask him for." "Your brother will rise to life," Jesus told her. "I know," she
replied, "that he will rise to life on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who
believe in me will live, even though they die; and those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe
this?" "Yes, Lord!" she answered. "I do believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the
world."
In verse 29, the narrator described that as soon as Mary heard from Martha that Jesus had arrived, she
quickly got up and meet him to where he was. The people surrounding her followed her and thought
that she will be in the tomb where Lazarus was. Mary saw Jesus and fell at his feet and complained
before him.31 This section the narrator gives emphasis to the character of Mary, describing her devotion
to Christ by falling at his feet but at the same time, her complaint is a sign of closeness to Jesus.

The narrator then described how Jesus felt when he saw Mary weeping and the people with him, asked
where Lazarus was laid and Mary directed him and Jesus wept. 32 This section gives the reader the human
side of Jesus weeping before loss. But it could mean a different explanation as to why Jesus wept. Then
the narrator described how the people responded surrounding them when they witness Jesus weeping
but others responded with speculations. 33 This gives the readers the idea that not all who were
mourning with Mary believed in Jesus but presumably, a response to burial traditions.

The situation then approaches to the climax of the passage where Jesus had instructed Martha to take
away the stone where Lazarus was laid. Martha was hesitant but Jesus reminded her again that if she
will believe, she will see the glory of God. 34 The emphasis of the narrator by reminding Martha again of
what Jesus had told helps the reader not to doubt in Jesus but to trust in his words.

As soon as the stone was taken away, Jesus looked up and thank the Father for listening to him.
Allowing the people witnessing them to hear his words that they will believe that it was Jesus who was
sent.35

Then the narrator described that after Jesus had thanked the Father, he shouted in a loud voice
commanding Lazarus to come out of the tomb and Lazarus was raised to life. Jesus instructed them to
untied him and let him go. Many of those who were with Mary saw and believed in Jesus. 36

29
John 11:28 (GNT), “After Martha said this, she went back and called her sister Mary privately. "The Teacher is
here," she told her, "and is asking for you."
30
διδάσκαλος (didaskalos) 'teacher' (G1320) teacher, occurs in the Bible 58 times. STEP bible.
31
John 11:29-32, “When Mary heard this, she got up and hurried out to meet him 30 (Jesus had not yet arrived in
the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.) 31 The people who were in the house with Mary
comforting her followed her when they saw her get up and hurry out. They thought that she was going to the
grave to weep there. Mary arrived where Jesus was, and as soon as she saw him, she fell at his feet. "Lord," she
said, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died!"
32
John 11:33-35 (GNT), “Jesus saw her weeping, and he saw how the people with her were weeping also; his heart
was touched, and he was deeply moved. 34 "Where have you buried him?" he asked them. "Come and see, Lord,"
they answered. 35 Jesus wept.”
33
John 11:36-37 (GNT), "See how much he loved him!" the people said. 37 But some of them said, "He gave sight
to the blind man, didn't he? Could he not have kept Lazarus from dying?"
34
John 11:38-40, “Deeply moved once more, Jesus went to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone placed at the
entrance. 39 "Take the stone away!" Jesus ordered. Martha, the dead man's sister, answered, "There will be a bad
smell, Lord. He has been buried four days!" 40 Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if
you believed?"
35
John 11:41-42, “They took the stone away. Jesus looked up and said, "I thank you, Father that you listen to me.
42 I know that you always listen to me, but I say this for the sake of the people here, so that they will believe that
you sent me."
36
John 11:43-45, “After he had said this, he called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 He came out, his
hands and feet wrapped in grave cloths, and with a cloth around his face. "Untie him," Jesus told them, "and let
him go." 45 Many of the people who had come to visit Mary saw what Jesus did, and they believed in him.”
The movement of the passage from Jesus being distant to being proximate to the characters Lazarus,
Mary and Martha, creates the dramatic scene pointing the readers to the main message of putting each
faith to Jesus. His declaration that He is the resurrection and the life.

Mary in Luke 10

The character of Mary is also present in the gospel of Luke chapter 10. It was this story that Jesus and
the disciples went to a village, were Martha opened her home for them. This story was in the middle of
Jesus and the disciples exploit in healing the sick, casting out demons, and sharing the word of the Lord.
In this story, Mary chose to sit and listen at the feet of Jesus instead of helping Martha who were so
distracted preparing meals for the group. Martha came to Jesus and told him that Mary should have
been helping her. But Jesus told Martha that Mary chosen what was better and it will not be taken away
from her. Sitting at the feet was the ancient posture of pupils (Acts 22:3). Martha honored Christ as a
Guest, but Mary honored him as a Teacher. An implication that the narrator wanted to point out that
the bread for the soul is more important than the bread for the body. But also an understanding that is
the trend of the New Testament teaching shows that a man must be a doer as well as a hearer of the
Word. 37

On this story, Mary was meek and seeking for wisdom and excited to hear from Jesus. Mary seems like
had a heart of a child longing and submitting for the father’s consolation and love. Jesus who was more
than a father had met this longing and enjoyed Mary’s heart and presence listening before him.

In contrast to John chapter 11 and 12, Mary was full of grieving for her brother’s death. But her faith in
Jesus was intact. As soon as she knew Jesus was coming, she did not hesitate to leave her post and meet
with God for she knew it was Jesus who will bring healing to her grieving heart. True enough, Jesus
planned what He has in mind. He had used the life of Lazarus, Mary and Martha to fulfill what was
prophesied that the time has come for the people to glorify Him. The resurrection of Lazarus become
the starting point of both glorification of Christ and the beginning of His journey to the Cross. Many Jews
had believed in him but the high priests and the Pharisees also started to plot to arrest and kill Jesus. As
soon as Lazarus came to life, Mary were also resurrected from the grieving.

But another contrasting point when in John chapter 11 verse 2 that the author mentioned of the Mary
referred to as the sister of Lazarus stating that this is the Mary who poured perfume on the Lord and
wiped his feet with her hair. Before this passage, the story of Mary pouring perfume to Jesus feet was
not mentioned instead the story was narrated to the next chapter, John 12. This passage was actually
mentioned and happened to be in the story in the next chapter, John 12 verse three describing the
humbling action of Mary to Jesus. Hence, the character of Mary was emphasized here knowing from her
humbling and compelling action towards Christ resembles that Mary proves to be a highlight here aside
from Jesus.

But it also depict a new set of writing or a retelling of the same story “the death of Lazarus” but this time
it has a continuation of what had happened after the resurrection of Lazarus. This time the act of Mary
of pouring perfume was described and Judas mischievous heart including the emphasis of the high
priests and Pharisees plan to arrest and kill Jesus, also Lazarus. Despite, the glorification of Christ was
37
Bible commentary, “Jesus the guest of martha and mary”, The Fourfold Gospel,
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/the-fourfold-gospel/by-sections/jesus-the-guest-of-martha-and-
mary.html
not hampered instead the next day stated in verse 12, on the day of the Jewish Passover, a large crowd
of Jews glorify Jesus praising and worshipping Him (v.13). And the fulfillment of the prophecy in verse 15
came to pass where Jesus sat on the donkey while entering the gate. Thus, the entering to the plot of his
journey to the cross.

Conclusion

Mary’s character was selfless, she believed and seek eternal pursuits. She found the treasure of all
treasures which is Jesus. She knew her calling. It was to give her life to Christ. She did not hesitate to
give what she valued in life to be poured out before Christ for she knew what matters is only Jesus. She
had sought eternity in Christ Jesus. She did not waste her time doing what the world asked her. But she
sat and listened when the opportunity asked her so. She was with the Lord and did not waste her time
wandering or doing things unlike Martha. She knew it was her breakthrough. It was Jesus who have
been her desire after all. It was Jesus she was waiting for.

Bibiliography

Bible Study Tools https://www.biblestudytools.com/parallel-bible/passage/?q=john+11&t=gnt&t2=nas

Smith, William, Dr., Smith Bible Dictionary, https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/smiths-bible-

dictionary/mary-sister-of-lazarus.html

Blomberg

Carson

Step Bible

Schnackenburg
https://biblehub.com/john/11-2.htm