John 12:1 to 12:8 Jesus is worthy of our deepest love and highest devotion, far above any earthly treasure. Understand why Mary poured out costly nard perfume upon Jesus. Compare Mary's sacrificial devotion with Judas' greedy complaint. Identify ways we can offer our best gifts and worship to Jesus today. Six days before the Passover, Jesus visited [Bethany](/bible/explorer/place/bethany) at the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, and the leaders in Jerusalem were plotting Jesus' death. A Dinner in Bethany Six days before the Passover festival began, Jesus returned to the village of [Bethany](/bible/explorer/place/bethany). This was the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had miraculously raised from the dead. Martha served the dinner, and Lazarus sat at the table with Jesus and his disciples. Everyone knew that tension was rising in nearby [Jerusalem](/bible/explorer/place/jerusalem), because religious leaders were looking for a way to arrest Jesus. Mary's Extravagant Gift While they were eating, Mary brought an alabaster jar containing about a pint of pure nard, an extremely expensive aromatic perfume worth an entire year of wages. She broke the seal, poured the fragrant oil on Jesus' feet, and wiped his feet with her hair. The whole house was filled with the sweet fragrance of the perfume. It was an act of humble, unconditional adoration. Jesus Defends Mary Judas Iscariot objected angrily, asking why the perfume was not sold for three hundred denarii to give to the poor. Judas did not care about the poor; he kept the money bag and stole from it. But Jesus rebuked Judas: 'Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.' Jesus honored Mary's gift as an act of prophetic devotion. Jesus said, Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. John 12:7 What costly gift did Mary pour on Jesus' feet at Bethany? A bag of gold coins Pure nard perfume worth a year of wages Olive oil mixed with honey Spices from Egypt Pure nard perfume worth a year of wages Mary gave a pint of expensive pure nard, wiping Jesus' feet with her hair as an act of heartfelt worship. Who objected to Mary's devotion and pretended to care about the poor? Peter John Judas Iscariot Thomas Judas Iscariot Judas criticized her because he kept the common purse and was a thief, but Jesus defended Mary. What did Jesus say Mary was preparing him for? A royal wedding The day of his burial A journey to Rome The Passover feast in Galilee The day of his burial Jesus explained that her sacrificial anointing prepared his body beforehand for his burial. Set aside your best time, attention, or a cherished possession this week to bless someone in Jesus' name without seeking recognition. Lord Jesus, you are worth far more than any earthly treasure. Help us to give you our whole hearts, our highest love, and our best gifts each day. Amen. Why do you think Mary was willing to spend such an expensive possession on Jesus? What is one valuable gift, talent, or priority in your life that you can offer to Jesus? Guide children to recognize the infinite worth of Jesus and understand sacrificial worship through Mary's example. Display a small bottle of sweet perfume or essential oil and discuss what is the most precious thing you own. Why did Judas complain if helping the poor is a good thing? Explain that Judas used the poor as an excuse to hide his greed. 5 minutes hook, 15 minutes Scripture exposition, 10 minutes discussion, 10 minutes application and prayer.