Bethany
Bethany sat on the southeastern slope of the Mount of Olives, “about two miles” from Jerusalem (John 11:18) – close enough to walk to the temple, far enough to escape the city’s crowds and intrigue. It was Jesus’ Judean refuge: the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, “whom Jesus loved” (John 11:5). Here Martha served and worried while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and was defended for it (Luke 10:38-42).
Bethany’s great hour is John 11. Lazarus died, and Jesus – having deliberately delayed – arrived to grieving sisters and a four-day-old tomb. The chapter holds the Gospels’ shortest verse (“Jesus wept”) and one of its greatest claims: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Then the shout: “Lazarus, come out.” The miracle that revealed his glory also sealed his death warrant; from that day the council plotted to kill him (John 11:45-53).
During Passion Week Jesus lodged in Bethany each night (Mark 11:11-12), and there, at Simon the leper’s table, Mary anointed him with pure nard “beforehand for burial” (Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). Luke locates the ascension “as far as Bethany” – Jesus left the earth from the neighborhood of his closest friends (Luke 24:50-51). The neighboring hamlet of Bethphage, on the same ridge, is where the Palm Sunday colt was fetched (Matthew 21:1).
In the New Testament
- Martha and Mary host Jesus (Luke 10:38-42)
- The raising of Lazarus (John 11)
- The anointing at Bethany (Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8)
- Passion Week lodging and the ascension nearby (Mark 11:11; Luke 24:50-51)