The Repentant Woman, Mary of Bethany, and Mary Magdalene: One Figure?

[Moonwood]

...Mary of Bethany, Lazarus' and Martha sister.
... I believe Mary of Bethany is Mary Magdalene even though no scripture specifically says that.

Both John 11:1 and John 11:2 say “Mary,” Lazarus’s sister — not “Mary of Bethany” or “Mary Magdalene.”

John 11:1 introduces Lazarus as an ill man and his sisters as Mary and Martha.
John 11:2 identifies which Mary is Lazarus's sister by referencing a distinctive past action, not by giving a location or title:

“It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.”

That only works as an identifier if the audience already knows, or can know, the Gospel event John is referring to.
So it must have been mentioned previously and elsewhere.

Which means the question still remains:

Which Gospel event is John referring to in John 11:2?

Either you know which Gospel event he's referring to, or you're left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary in the Gospel Lazarus’s sister is.

 

[Grailhunter]

Both John 11:1 and John 11:2 say “Mary,” Lazarus’s sister — not “Mary of Bethany” or “Mary Magdalene.”

John 11:1 introduces Lazarus as an ill man and his sisters as Mary and Martha.
John 11:2 identifies which Mary is Lazarus's sister by referencing a distinctive past action, not by giving a location or title:

“It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.”

That only works as an identifier if the audience already knows, or can know, the Gospel event John is referring to.
So it must have been mentioned previously and elsewhere.

Which means the question still remains:

Which Gospel event is John referring to in John 11:2?

Either you know which Gospel event he's referring to, or you're left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary in the Gospel Lazarus’s sister is.

OK
It works for me.
Just mentioning a previous anointing.
Mary of Bethany as far as I am concerned is Mary Magdalene.
Now why do I believe that? Because it is consistent with her good character.
Close to Yeshua and the Apostles knew she was important so she was put at the top of the lists.
She and others financed Yeshua.
If she was a devoted follower, she and Lazarus and Martha befriended Him.
And important to Yeshua.....Jesus wept.

Mary of Bethany and her brother Lazarus were close friends of Jesus, living in Bethany, and central to key Gospel events including Lazarus’ resurrection and Mary’s anointing of Jesus.​

Family and Background​

Mary of Bethany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus, residing in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem. Their family home was a place of hospitality and spiritual intimacy, where Jesus often visited and spent time with them Mary and her siblings were lifelong friends of Jesus, and their interactions reveal both devotion and faith in Him

Key Biblical Accounts​

1. Mary at Jesus’ Feet (Luke 10:38-42)
When Jesus visited their home, Martha busied herself with preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teachings. Martha expressed frustration, prompting Jesus to commend Mary for “choosing the better,” emphasizing the importance of spiritual attentiveness over worldly distractions This episode highlights Mary’s devotion and desire to learn from Jesus.
2. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11)
Lazarus fell seriously ill, and Mary and Martha sent for Jesus By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha met Jesus first, expressing her faith that He could have prevented Lazarus’ death, and Mary followed, weeping at His feet Jesus, moved by their grief, raised Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His power over life and death and deepening the sisters’ faith.
3. Anointing of Jesus (John 12)
Mary later anointed Jesus’ feet with costly perfumed oil (nard) and wiped them with her hair. This act of devotion occurred in their home in Bethany, symbolizing love, humility, and recognition of Jesus’ impending death. Her gesture is remembered as an expression of faith and reverence, contrasting with Judas’ objection that the perfume could have been sold.

Spiritual Lessons​

Mary and Lazarus’ story illustrates several key lessons:

• Faith and devotion: Mary’s attentiveness to Jesus’ teachings and her anointing demonstrate prioritizing spiritual growth and love for Christ.
• Trust in God’s timing: The delay in Jesus’ arrival to heal Lazarus shows the importance of faith even when circumstances seem hopeless.
• Hospitality and service: Martha’s service complements Mary’s contemplation, teaching a balance between action and spiritual focus.

Commemoration​

In the Christian tradition, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus are celebrated together on July 29, honoring their faith, friendship with Jesus, and the lessons their lives impart.
Mary of Bethany and Lazarus remain enduring examples of faith, devotion, and the transformative power of Jesus’ presence in the lives of His followers.

 

[Moonwood]

...Mary of Bethany, Lazarus' and Martha sister.
... I believe Mary of Bethany is Mary Magdalene even though no scripture specifically says that.

But both John 11:1 and John 11:2 simply say “Mary,” Lazarus’s sister — not “Mary of Bethany” and not “Mary Magdalene.”

So if you “stick with what Scripture says,” as you’ve told me, then you can’t say Lazarus’s sister Mary is called “Mary of Bethany” or “Mary Magdalene,” because John never calls her either of those things.

He only calls her Mary, and identifies her by her brother — not by a location, not by a title, and not by Magdalene.

Just mentioning a previous anointing.

You now say John 11:2 is “just mentioning a previous anointing,” but earlier you also said it was a “third distinct anointing narrative.” Those two claims contradict each other.

You also said it:

• “occurred at Lazarus’ home in Bethany,” but also "does not give a location.”

Those statements contradict each other, and John does not mention any location for the anointing reference in that verse.

• “occurred when Lazarus was sick/died,” but also “before Lazarus was sick.”

Those statements contradict each other, and John does not mention Lazarus being present, dead or alive, for the anointing referenced in that verse.

• “is speaking about Mary of Bethany, or Mary Magdalene,” even though John only says “Mary.”

Those statements contradict each other, and John does not specify Mary Magdalene anywhere in John 11 — not in verse 2, not in the chapter, not in the Lazarus narrative.

For these reasons, the “third distinct anointing” you describe is something you invented, not something John wrote. And that contradicts your statement: “I stick with the story line in the scriptures.”

Narratively, John 11:1 is the first time Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha appear in any Gospel story. In John 11:3, the sisters send word to Jesus saying, “Lord, he (Lazarus) whom You love is ill,” because Jesus is not with them.

So how can verse 2 be a narrative description of Jesus being present with them and anointed by Mary when:

1. He is not present with them in the story,
2. And He is told Lazarus is ill in verse 3 precisely because He is not there?

John 11:2 is a reference to a past event used as an identifier, not a new event happening in the Lazarus narrative.

So the question still remains:

Which Gospel event is John referring to in John 11:2?

If you cannot name the event, then you are left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is.

 

[Grailhunter]

But both John 11:1 and John 11:2 simply say “Mary,” Lazarus’s sister — not “Mary of Bethany” and not “Mary Magdalene.”

Are you really asking that question? It is pretty obvious.

 

[Grailhunter]

You now say John 11:2 is “just mentioning a previous anointing,” but earlier you also said it was a “third distinct anointing narrative.” Those two claims contradict each other.

Never used the phrase third distinct anointing narrative,

 

[Grailhunter]

But both John 11:1 and John 11:2 simply say “Mary,” Lazarus’s sister — not “Mary of Bethany” and not “Mary Magdalene.”

So if you “stick with what Scripture says,” as you’ve told me, then you can’t say Lazarus’s sister Mary is called “Mary of Bethany” or “Mary Magdalene,” because John never calls her either of those things.

He only calls her Mary, and identifies her by her brother — not by a location, not by a title, and not by Magdalene.



You now say John 11:2 is “just mentioning a previous anointing,” but earlier you also said it was a “third distinct anointing narrative.” Those two claims contradict each other.

You also said it:

• “occurred at Lazarus’ home in Bethany,” but also "does not give a location.”

Those statements contradict each other, and John does not mention any location for the anointing reference in that verse.

• “occurred when Lazarus was sick/died,” but also “before Lazarus was sick.”

Those statements contradict each other, and John does not mention Lazarus being present, dead or alive, for the anointing referenced in that verse.

• “is speaking about Mary of Bethany, or Mary Magdalene,” even though John only says “Mary.”

Those statements contradict each other, and John does not specify Mary Magdalene anywhere in John 11 — not in verse 2, not in the chapter, not in the Lazarus narrative.

For these reasons, the “third distinct anointing” you describe is something you invented, not something John wrote. And that contradicts your statement: “I stick with the story line in the scriptures.”

Narratively, John 11:1 is the first time Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha appear in any Gospel story. In John 11:3, the sisters send word to Jesus saying, “Lord, he (Lazarus) whom You love is ill,” because Jesus is not with them.

So how can verse 2 be a narrative description of Jesus being present with them and anointed by Mary when:

1. He is not present with them in the story,
2. And He is told Lazarus is ill in verse 3 precisely because He is not there?

John 11:2 is a reference to a past event used as an identifier, not a new event happening in the Lazarus narrative.

So the question still remains:

Which Gospel event is John referring to in John 11:2?

If you cannot name the event, then you are left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is.

There is no contradiction and I have answered all of this.
Now if you are bored or lonely, pick another topic.

 

[Moonwood]

Are you really asking that question? It is pretty obvious.

It’s only “obvious” if you add details Scripture never gives. John never calls her Mary of Bethany or Mary Magdalene. He only calls her “Mary,” Lazarus’s sister. So if you stick with what Scripture says, as you’ve told me, then those added titles aren’t obvious — they’re assumptions.

Never used the phrase third distinct anointing narrative

You don’t need to use the exact phrase “John 11:2 is a third distinct anointing narrative” for that to be your position.
You made John 11:2 a third distinct anointing narrative, because you said it:

• “occurred at Lazarus’ home in Bethany”

→ That is a location claim.
→ That is narrative detail.

• “occurred when Lazarus was sick/died”

→ That is a timeline claim.
→ That is narrative detail.

• “occurred before Lazarus was sick”

→ That is a different timeline claim.
→ That is narrative detail.

• “is speaking about Mary Magdalene”

→ That is a character identity claim.
→ That is narrative detail.

All of these are narrative assertions — and they also contradict your earlier statements that John 11:2:

• “wasn’t a specific event,”
• had “no details given"

Then, when I said you were treating John 11:2 as a third distinct anointing by Lazarus’s sister Mary, you answered:

“Yes.”

So whether or not you used that exact phrase, you affirmed the concept. Therefore, the contradiction still stands: you said John 11:2 is “just mentioning a previous anointing,” yet you also described and affirmed it as a third distinct anointing with narrative details.

There is no contradiction...

I listed your statements directly, side by side, and they conflict with each other. You haven’t even attempted to resolve them after I laid them out — and there have been many. You’ve only denied, dismissed, and repeated them.

...I have answered all of this

You have responded to, not addressed, John 11:2 by:

• asserting it's not a specific event with no details
• asserting it is a third distinct anointing narrative with details

I’ve shown why both of those claims fail and contradict one another, and you’ve repeated both — contradicting yourself each time.

Narratively:

John 11:1 introduces Lazarus as an ill man and his sisters as Mary and Martha.
John 11:2 identifies which Mary is Lazarus's sister by referencing a distinctive past action, not by giving a location or title: “It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.”
John 11:3 informs that Lazarus's sisters sent word to Jesus saying, “Lord, he (Lazarus) whom You love is ill,” precisely because Jesus is not with them.

So how can verse 2 be a narrative description of Jesus being present with them and anointed by Mary when:

1. He is not present with them in the story,
2. And He is told Lazarus is ill in verse 3 because He is not there

John 11:2 is a reference to a past event used as an identifier, not a new event happening in the Lazarus's death narrative (John 11:1-16).

So the question still remains:

Which Gospel event is John referring to in John 11:2?

If you cannot name the event, then you are left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is.

 

[Grailhunter]

It’s only “obvious” if you add details Scripture never gives. John never calls her Mary of Bethany or Mary Magdalene. He only calls her “Mary,” Lazarus’s sister. So if you stick with what Scripture says, as you’ve told me, then those added titles aren’t obvious — they’re assumptions.

No it is the storyline.

 

[Grailhunter]

You don’t need to use the exact phrase “John 11:2 is a third distinct anointing narrative” for that to be your position.
You made John 11:2 a third distinct anointing narrative, because you said it:

• “occurred at Lazarus’ home in Bethany”

→ That is a location claim.
→ That is narrative detail.

• “occurred when Lazarus was sick/died”

→ That is a timeline claim.
→ That is narrative detail.

• “occurred before Lazarus was sick”

→ That is a different timeline claim.
→ That is narrative detail.

• “is speaking about Mary Magdalene”

→ That is a character identity claim.
→ That is narrative detail.

All of these are narrative assertions — and they also contradict your earlier statements that John 11:2:

• “wasn’t a specific event,”
• had “no details given"

Then, when I said you were treating John 11:2 as a third distinct anointing by Lazarus’s sister Mary, you answered:

“Yes.”

So whether or not you used that exact phrase, you affirmed the concept. Therefore, the contradiction still stands: you said John 11:2 is “just mentioning a previous anointing,” yet you also described and affirmed it as a third distinct anointing with narrative details.

Again read the storyline.

 

[Grailhunter]

If you cannot name the event, then you are left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is.

It points to an anointing that happened before.

 

[Moonwood]

No it is the storyline.

If it were the storyline, Scripture would actually say it. But John never calls her Mary of Bethany or Mary Magdalene. He only calls her “Mary,” Lazarus’s sister. So appealing to “the storyline” doesn’t work unless the storyline actually contains the details you’re claiming. And it doesn’t.

Again read the storyline.

I am reading the storyline. That’s the point. The storyline never says the things you’re claiming. John never calls her Mary of Bethany or Mary Magdalene. John never gives a location for the anointing in 11:2. John never places Jesus with Mary and Martha in 11:1-3. John never describes a third anointing event in the Lazarus narrative. Those details aren’t in the storyline — they’re added by you.

It points to an anointing that happened before.

More accurately, you've asserted John 11:2:

• is not a specific anointing event with no details
• is a third distinct anointing narrative with details

Narratively:

John 11:1 introduces Lazarus as an ill man and his sisters as Mary and Martha.
John 11:2 identifies which Mary is Lazarus's sister by referencing a distinctive past action, not by giving a location or title: “It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.”
John 11:3 informs that Lazarus's sisters sent word to Jesus saying, “Lord, he (Lazarus) whom You love is ill,” precisely because Jesus is not with them.

So how can verse 2 be a non‑specific anointing event when:

• John gives no location,
• John gives no timeline,
• John gives no characters present,
• John gives no narrative setting,
• John gives no description of Jesus being there,
• and the storyline itself shows Jesus is not with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha in John 11:1-3?

And how can verse 2 be a third distinct anointing narrative description of Jesus being present with them and anointed by Mary when:

1. He is not present with them in the story,
2. And He is told Lazarus is ill in verse 3 because He is not there

For these reasons, John is not referencing a vague category nor describing a new event. He is referencing a distinct past action to identify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is within the Lazarus’s death narrative (John 11:1-16).

So the question still remains:

Which Gospel event is John referring to in John 11:2?

If you cannot name the event, then you are left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is.

 

[Grailhunter]

If it were the storyline, Scripture would actually say it. But John never calls her Mary of Bethany or Mary Magdalene. He only calls her “Mary,” Lazarus’s sister. So appealing to “the storyline” doesn’t work unless the storyline actually contains the details you’re claiming. And it doesn’t.

Lazarus's sister is Mary of Bethany.

 

[Grailhunter]

am reading the storyline. That’s the point. The storyline never says the things you’re claiming. John never calls her Mary of Bethany or Mary Magdalene. John never gives a location for the anointing in 11:2. John never places Jesus with Mary and Martha in 11:1-3. John never describes a third anointing event in the Lazarus narrative. Those details aren’t in the storyline — they’re added by you.

Mary Of Bethany​

Luke 10:38-42​

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

John 12:1-8​

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” ...

John 11:1-​

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ...

​

​

​

 

[Moonwood]

Lazarus's sister is Mary of Bethany.

Mary Of Bethany​

Luke 10:38-42​

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

John 12:1-8​

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” ...

John 11:1-​

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ...

You’ve asserted Lazarus’s sister is called Mary of Bethany, and earlier you also asserted she was Mary Magdalene. But if it were the storyline, Scripture would actually say it. None of the passages you quoted ever call her “Mary of Bethany” or “Mary Magdalene.” That title isn’t in Luke 10, John 11, or John 12. It’s a later label you’re bringing to the text, not something John actually says.

It points to an anointing that happened before.

More accurately, you've asserted John 11:2:

• is a non-specific anointing event with no details, and
• is a third distinct anointing narrative with details

Narratively:

John 11:1 introduces Lazarus as an ill man and his sisters as Mary and Martha.
John 11:2 identifies which Mary is Lazarus's sister by referencing a distinctive past action, not by giving a location or title: “It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.”
John 11:3 informs that Lazarus's sisters sent word to Jesus saying, “Lord, he (Lazarus) whom You love is ill,” precisely because Jesus is not with them.

So how can verse 2 be a non‑specific anointing event when:

• John gives no location,
• John gives no timeline,
• John gives no characters present,
• John gives no narrative setting,
• John gives no description of Jesus being there,
• and the storyline itself shows Jesus is not with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha in John 11:1-3?

And how can verse 2 be a third distinct anointing narrative description of Jesus being present with them and anointed by Mary when:

1. He is not present with them in the story,
2. And He is told Lazarus is ill in verse 3 because He is not there

For these reasons, John is not referencing a vague category nor describing a new event. He is referencing a distinct past action to identify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is within the Lazarus’s death narrative (John 11:1-16).

So the question still remains:

Which Gospel event is John referring to in John 11:2?

If you cannot name the event, then you are left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is.

 

[Grailhunter]

You’ve asserted Lazarus’s sister is called Mary of Bethany, and earlier you also asserted she was Mary Magdalene. But if it were the storyline, Scripture would actually say it. None of the passages you quoted ever call her “Mary of Bethany” or “Mary Magdalene.” That title isn’t in Luke 10, John 11, or John 12. It’s a later label you’re bringing to the text, not something John actually says.

Yes they do.
And I told you scripture does not directly say that Mary of Bethany who is Lazurus's sister is Mary Magdalene.

 

[Grailhunter]

So how can verse 2 be a non‑specific anointing event when:

Because it says it is an anointing, but gives no scriptural reference.

 

[Grailhunter]

Which Gospel event is John referring to in John 11:2?

Already replied to this question.

 

[Grailhunter]

If you cannot name the event, then you are left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is.

It does not say it points to nothing.

 

[Moonwood]

Yes they do.
And I told you scripture does not directly say that Mary of Bethany who is Lazurus's sister is Mary Magdalene.

You just said “Yes they do,” but then immediately admitted Scripture does not directly say Lazarus’s sister is Mary Magdalene. And Scripture also never directly says she is “Mary of Bethany.” None of the passages you quoted (see below) use either title. John calls her “Mary." The titles you’re using are later labels, not something John actually says.

Luke 10:38-42​

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

John 12:1-8​

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” ...

John 11:1-​

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ...

Because it says it is an anointing, but gives no scriptural reference.

You've asserted John 11:2 is both:

• a non-specific anointing event with no details, and
• a third distinct anointing narrative with details

Narratively:

John 11:1 introduces Lazarus as an ill man and his sisters as Mary and Martha.
John 11:2 identifies which Mary is Lazarus's sister by referencing a distinctive past action, not by giving a location or title: “It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.”
John 11:3 informs that Lazarus's sisters sent word to Jesus saying, “Lord, he (Lazarus) whom You love is ill,” precisely because Jesus is not with them.

So how can verse 2 be a non‑specific anointing event when:

• John gives no location,
• John gives no timeline,
• John gives no characters present,
• John gives no narrative setting,
• John gives no description of Jesus being there,
• and the storyline itself shows Jesus is not with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha in John 11:1-3?

Saying “it’s non‑specific because it gives no details” doesn’t answer the question. That’s just repeating the definition of non‑specific. My point is that a non‑specific event cannot function as an identifier. John uses the anointing to identify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is. Identification requires a known, specific past action — not a vague, detail‑less event that points to nothing.

And you haven't answered the second question:

And how can verse 2 be a third distinct anointing narrative description of Jesus being present with them and anointed by Mary when:

1. He is not present with them in the story,
2. And He is told Lazarus is ill in verse 3 because He is not there

So the question still remains:

Which Gospel event is John referring to in John 11:2?

If you cannot name the event, then you are left with a position where John uses an identifier that points to nothing — which would mean he didn’t know how to properly specify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is.

It does not say it points to nothing.

I didn’t say John claims it points to nothing. I said your position results in an identifier that points to nothing if you cannot name the event. John uses the anointing to identify which Mary Lazarus’s sister is. Identification requires a known, specific past action. If you cannot name the event John is referring to, then your interpretation leaves John pointing to an event that doesn’t exist — which would mean the identifier fails. That’s the problem you still haven’t addressed.

 

[Grailhunter]

You just said “Yes they do,” but then immediately admitted Scripture does not directly say Lazarus’s sister is Mary Magdalene. And Scripture also never directly says she is “Mary of Bethany.” None of the passages you quoted (see below) use either title. John calls her “Mary." The titles you’re using are later labels, not something John actually says.

I said yes they do to--- None of the passages you quoted ever call her “Mary of Bethany” or “Mary Magdalene.” The scriptures I gave you definitly describe Mary of Bethany.