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Stepping into the room with Mary of Bethany

Published 3 months ago • 1 min read

April 2025

Reader.

Last night—according to the Jewish calendar—would have been the night Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus’ feet, as told in John 12.

Yes, John says it was six days before the Passover, which means the next day Jesus entered Jerusalem—what we know as Palm Sunday.
So it might feel “off” to imagine her doing this midweek, but that’s only because of the early church’s decision to celebrate Easter differently.
​Here’s a summary + free guide if you’re curious.​

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If we set aside our calendar and imagine ourselves in that room. You would be witnessing her pour out YOUR ENTIRE year’s salary...all of it... on His feet. Gone. And the room smells like it. It's overpowering, emotionally, physically...
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Judas says out loud: What a waste.
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And Jesus answers: Leaver her alone.

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  • What feelings, thoughts or "gut instincts" do you notice?
  • What if you were a different woman in the room—possibly even Martha, quietly serving?

Wherever you see yourself, what do you notice about Jesus?

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And what might your heart need to hear from Him today?

In the Women Around the Cross series and free reading guide, I included Psalm 45 as a remez—it means "hint".
In Jesus’ time, rabbis would quote a line from Scripture, trusting the listener knew the full passage.Another example is we often read Psalm 22 to think about His final words from the cross.

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But here, in Mary’s act of devotion, Psalm 45 invites us to see Jesus as she SHOWED US, the anointed King.

Whenever and however you’re celebrating, I’m grateful we share the same hope: Our King is risen! I pray that because of Jesus, your “heart is deep in wonder and filled with great joy” (Matthew 28:8, TPT).

With you,

Linda Hannigan

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BTh, ACC, CPLC

9 Lumens & Illuminate

Where Clarity Happens

Enneagram Consultant | Speaker & Teacher |

Life Coach

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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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