beginning of Martha and Mary

Women of Courage – Martha and Mary introduction

September 6, 2014

Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-45, John 12:1-7, Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 26:1-16, Luke 7:36-50

Bethany – Martha and Mary remain in Bethany throughout their appearance in scripture

Bethany is on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho, on the Mount of Olives.  Jesus spent much time there, seemingly preferring to stay there rather than in Jerusalem itself.  Preciously, it was at Bethany that Jesus ascended into heaven.  Today, Bethany is a small, run-down town.  According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1939), “Bethany […] is a miserably untidy and tumble-down village”.  The current town of Bethany is apparently further East than the ancient town that Jesus frequented.  Some believe that it is near the tomb of Lazarus rather than where the homes actually were in ancient Bethany.  Bethany today is affected by the political turmoil in the area, torn between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Bethany seems to have withered as the fig tree.