Women Named Mary

The Gospels mention four other Marys besides the mother of Jesus:

1. Mary Magdalene, likely from Magdala in Galilee, was freed from demon possession by Jesus (Mark 16:9). She became a loyal follower and supported Jesus and his disciples financially (Luke 8:1–3; see also Matthew 27:55–56; Mark 15:40–41). She witnessed Jesus die on the cross and his burial (Matthew 27:55–61; Mark 15:40–47; John 19:25; compare Luke 23:49, 55–56). She went to the tomb early on Sunday morning with burial spices. She was among the first to hear that Jesus had risen from the dead (Matthew 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–11, 22–24). She was also the first to see the risen Jesus (Matthew 28:9–10; Mark 16:9–11; John 20:1–2, 11–18).

2. Mary, the mother of James the younger (not the apostle) and Joseph, was among the women present when Jesus died on the cross and at his burial (Matthew 27:55–61; Mark 15:40–47; see also Luke 23:49, 55). Like Mary Magdalene, she was among the first to hear that Jesus had risen from the dead (Matthew 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–11). She was also one of the first to see the risen Jesus (Matthew 28:9–10).

3. Mary of Bethany was Martha and Lazarus's sister. Jesus loved their family very much (John 11:5). Jesus praised Mary for wanting to learn from him (Luke 10:38–42). Soon after Jesus raised her brother from the dead (John 11:32–45), Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with very expensive perfume. Jesus defended her when others said it was wasteful (John 12:1–11; compare Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9).

4. Mary, the wife of Clopas, was among the women watching when Jesus died on the cross (John 19:25). The New Testament does not mention her husband, Clopas, elsewhere.

Passages for Further Study

Matthew 27:55–61; 28:1; Mark 15:40–47; 16:1–11; Luke 8:2–3; 10:38–42; 24:1–10; John 11:1–6, 17–24; 12:3–8; 19:25; 20:1–2, 11–18; Acts 12:12