Was Mary the 'Sinner'?

[richard n koustas]

I think that the [following] accounts recorded by mathew, mark and luke are about the same event. I think that John is writing about a separate event. What think ye? (and why?)

• Mat 26:7 -- There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat [at meat].
• Mar 14:3 -- And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured [it] on his head.
• Luk 7:37 -- And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that [Jesus] sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
• Jhn 12:3 -- Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

I don't know. Would it scandalize you or shake your faith if it were revealed that Mary was a sinner?

Joseph Botwinick

 

[richard n koustas]

I don't know. Would it scandalize you or shake your faith if it were revealed that Mary was a sinner?

Joseph Botwinick

no, i recently heard a preacher say that these 4 accounts were about the same event... after rereading them, i think that there is enough differences between john's account and the the other accounts to support that john is writing about a different event.

i was just wondering if i'm off base or not...

 

[PrimePower7]

Hello, there

I think you'll see that John's account is certainly not about the same woman as Luke's. For one thing, "sinner" here is without a doubt a term used to show contempt for this woman's lifestyle. John seems to be showing Mary, the sister of Lazarus being grateful for what Jesus did for her brother. I believe it would be stretching it to say anyone in Lazarus' family was living a life of ill repute.

 

[canadyjd]

I think you'll see that John's account is certainly not about the same woman as Luke's. For one thing, "sinner" here is without a doubt a term used to show contempt for this woman's lifestyle. John seems to be showing Mary, the sister of Lazarus being grateful for what Jesus did for her brother. I believe it would be stretching it to say anyone in Lazarus' family was living a life of ill repute.

Mary Magdalene had seven demons cast out of her (Luke 8:2). It would not be hard to imagine what kind of reputation she may have had.

peace to youraise:

 

[PrimePower7]

so we agree?

Right, so we agree that these are two different accounts?

 

[canadyjd]

Right, so we agree that these are two different accounts?

They appear to be two different events because it appears the locations are different. It could be that Mary annointed Jesus on two different occasions. Perhaps the first time in gratitude for her salvation (removing the demons) and the second time for His death. If I remember correctly, the cost of the perfume that was used in both cases was very high (several years wages). Only the wealthy could afford such, or the prostitutes who would use it (a little at a time, of course) in the course of business.

What has interested me is that Mary understood what was going to happen (His death at least) and the disciples remained clueless until the end.

peace to youraise:

 

[richard n koustas]

They appear to be two different events because it appears the locations are different. It could be that Mary annointed Jesus on two different occasions. Perhaps the first time in gratitude for her salvation (removing the demons) and the second time for His death. If I remember correctly, the cost of the perfume that was used in both cases was very high (several years wages). Only the wealthy could afford such, or the prostitutes who would use it (a little at a time, of course) in the course of business.

What has interested me is that Mary understood what was going to happen (His death at least) and the disciples remained clueless until the end.

peace to youraise:

candy: i think we are confusing Mary's...

 

[PrimePower7]

Righto Richard

That was sorta the point of my post. I was trying to point out that the sister of Lazarus was not likely the woman of ill repute who had demons.

 

[canadyjd]

candy: i think we are confusing Mary's...

Well, since "Mary" was one of the most popular names for girls during that time, I think it likely. However, Mary Magdelene is mentioned just a few verses after the account of the sinful woman in Luke. Whether that makes a difference or not, I cannot say.

peace to youraise: