Jesus Was Anointed

Matthew 26:6-13; John 12:1-18

“My soul, bless the Lord… He forgives all your iniquity; He heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:2-3

Dear Parents,

Three decades had passed since Jesus arrived on earth as a helpless baby. He grew up and began His ministry. People wondered, Could this be the Messiah? From the time sin entered the world through Adam, God was working out His rescue plan. Finally, at just the right time, God sent His Son into the world.

John the Baptist announced Jesus’ purpose: “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Jesus called disciples to follow Him, and He spent three years teaching people about God and proclaiming the good news.

People began talking about the possible Messiah. If He really was the “Anointed One”—the promised Deliverer—when would He rise up against the Roman government? As Jesus’ ministry came to a close, He made His way toward Jerusalem. But Jesus wasn’t about to overthrow a government; He was about to die.

Jesus was eating supper at Simon’s house in Bethany when Mary (the sister of Lazarus) poured oil over Jesus. Her act angered the disciples, who thought the oil should have been sold and the money used to help people who were poor. But Jesus affirmed Mary for her actions.

Pouring the expensive oil on Jesus was not a waste, it was worship. By allowing Mary to anoint Him, Jesus showed that He is more valuable than anything. Jesus knew He would soon die for sinners, be buried, and rise from the dead on the third day.

KEY PASSAGE: Luke 4:18

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• Why do believers share the Lord’s Supper? Believers share the Lord’s Supper to remember Jesus’ life and death.

BIBLE STORY:
JESUS WAS ANOINTED

• Mary anointed Jesus by pouring 
very expensive oil on Him.
• Jesus’ friends thought Mary had 
done a wrong thing.
• Jesus said Mary had done a very 
good thing.

FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

• Why did Jesus’ friends think Mary had done a wrong thing?
• Why did Jesus say Mary had done a very good thing?
• How can we show Jesus that He is most important to us?

FAMILY ACTIVITY:

• Plan a special family worship time. Make it a big deal with a special meal, decorations, and music. Teach preschoolers that Jesus deserves the best!
• Visit a cemetery. Talk about how Mary prepared Jesus to be buried by anointing Him, but Jesus did not stay dead.