John 11:2 Commentary - Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

1) “(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment)," (en de Mariam he aleipsasa ton kurion muro) "And it was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment,'' as recounted more fully Joh 12:3. It was an expression of three things, 1) Unity among those there in the home of Simon the leper in Bethany, 2) Love between the one anointed and the one being anointed, and 3) Her memorial tribute to her faith in His coming death and resurrection, Psa 133:1-3; Mar 14:3; Mar 14:8-9.

2) "And wiped his feet," (kai ekmaksasa tous poclas autou) "And who wiped off his feet," or cleaned His feet, drying them off. The ointment was poured upon His head and ran down over His body, to His feet, the manner of anointing described by David, Psa 133:2; Mat 26:6-7; Mat 26:12-13.

3) "With her hair,'' (tais thriksin autes)"With her hair," the hairs of her head, her long hair; This deed Jesus called "a good work or ideal work upon me," Mat 26:10; Mar 14:6-7. To do good to Jesus directly took priority over doing good to the poor or impoverished at that time, for there is a time and purpose for "every thing under the sun,'' Ecc 3:1.

4) "(Whose brother Lazarus was sick.)" (es ho adelphos Lazaros esthenei) "Whose brother Lazarus ailed," or was physically sick, so severely, critically ill that he died, Joh 11:3; Joh 11:14.