As an expert in religious studies, I can provide an insightful analysis of the question you've posed. The act of washing Jesus' feet is a significant event in Christian tradition, symbolizing humility, service, and the anointing of Jesus as the Messiah. The story you're referring to is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John, chapter 12, verses 1-8. Let's delve into the details of this narrative and the individuals involved.
According to the Gospel of John, the event took place at the home of a man named Simon the Leper. It was during a meal at his house that the remarkable act of devotion occurred.
Martha is mentioned as the one who served during the meal, while Lazarus, known for being raised from the dead by Jesus, was one of the guests reclining at the table. However, it was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who performed the act of washing Jesus' feet that is central to your question.
Mary is described as taking an alabaster jar of pure nard, which was an expensive perfume. This act of pouring perfume on Jesus' feet and then wiping them with her hair is a profound gesture of love, reverence, and preparation for Jesus' impending death and burial. The perfume was not only a symbol of honor but also served a practical purpose, as it was customary to anoint the body with spices and oils in preparation for burial.
The act of Mary washing Jesus' feet is often interpreted as a demonstration of her deep love and devotion to Jesus. It is also seen as a foreshadowing of the role she would play in the events following Jesus' crucifixion, as she was among those who would anoint his body for burial. This act is also symbolic of the humility and service that Jesus taught his followers to embody, as he himself demonstrated by washing the feet of his disciples during the Last Supper.
The fragrance that filled the house after Mary's act is a testament to the significance of the moment. It is a sensory reminder of the love and honor shown to Jesus, and it is also a metaphor for the lasting impact of acts of devotion and love. The perfume's scent lingers, much like the memory and significance of the event would linger in the hearts and minds of those present and in the teachings of Christianity.
In conclusion, it was Mary who washed Jesus' feet, in an act that was both a demonstration of her love and a prophetic act of preparation for his death. This event is deeply significant in Christian theology, symbolizing humility, service, and the anointing of Jesus as the Messiah. The narrative from the Gospel of John provides a rich context for understanding the cultural, religious, and emotional significance of this act.
read more >>

Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.read more >>