The picture is beginning to take on some definition. Mary is suddenly thrown into the spotlight, since she is mentioned previously in two significant events in Jesus’ life: A visit by Jesus to the house of Mary and Martha (Luke 10), and the event mentioned in the verse above (Matthew 26). There are some who even identify the woman caught in adultery as this very same Mary (John 8). It is very likely, since that would explain her questionable reputation mentioned in Matthew’s account.
The timing is also coming into view, since both the Matthew and Mark narratives seem to imply an event closer to the end of Jesus’ ministry. Luke’s portrayal, on the other hand, does not seem to associate the event with the final activities of Jesus’ ministry. The important part is that she is mentioned as the woman who poured out expensive oil on Jesus. What is not mentioned is that when she did this deed for Jesus, she was already considered a woman of questionable reputation. Even more startling is that the anointing scenario takes place before the first recorded visit by Jesus to Mary’s and Martha’s house. The chronology is difficult to reconcile, but the facts related to the main players in the drama are not. It is significant enough for John to mention it and to point out Mary is the sister of the man.
This woman with a colorful reputation is now facing a major crisis. Even if she has left her life of vice behind her, that does not inoculate her to the realities that come with living in a sickly world. No one is. What we do and how we react to those moments are most telling and speak most loudly of the mettle of our character and faith. We are about to learn a lot about the faith of these sisters. Their faith in the Master will be tested. Faith without testing is a mere concept. Faith that faces conflict and chaos head-on is a life-changing experience—it is life.
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