The Setting for the Sign
Excerpt
Like the name of Lazarus, the sisters, Mary and Martha, also are mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (10:38–42). In both contexts, Martha is represented primarily as a rather determined worker (Luke 10:41: cf. John 12:2) and Mary as the worshipful one (Luke 10:39, 42; cf. John 11:2; 12:3). In this present context, an interesting technique of storytelling is employed. Mary the sister of Lazarus is identified here before the event as the one who anointed the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair (11:2; cf.12:3).That loving, sacrificial event must have seared itself into the minds of the early Christians, as both Mark (14:9) and Matthew (26:13) bear witness. For John, who constantly had in mind the death of the Lamb, this reference serves as a window into Jesus’ acceptance of his death (cf. John 12:7). But perhaps there is more to this remark. John generally avoided the post-resurrection confessional use of kyrios, “Lord,” up to this point (cf. however, my remarks at 9:38). But in the context of this climactic of a sign, the use of the term seems most appropriate as a window into what is ahead.
Borchert, Gerald L. John 1–11. Vol. 25A. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996. Print. The New American Commentary.
Comments