John 12:1-11
Key Verses: 12:7,8

“’Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’”

1. When and where did this event occur? (compare Mt 26:6) How was this event related to the raising of Lazarus? What was the Passover?

2. How did Mary express her love and gratitude? Why did she do this? (Think about her possible past and the meaning of God’s grace of forgiveness to her.)

3. Who are some other great sinners who knew the joy of forgiveness? (David [Ps 51; Ro 4:7-8], Paul [1Ti 1:15; 1Th 5:16-18]) Why is it so important for one to know that he is a sinner? Why must we be joyful and thankful?

4. Read verses 4-6. Who was Judas Iscariot? What did he say? In what respect do his words sound reasonable? What does the writer tell us about his impure motives? Why are one’s motives important? (Give examples.)

5. Read verses 7-8. How did Jesus interpret Mary’s action? What did he mean? (See Mk 14:9) What can we learn about Jesus’ value system? What should be a Christian’s priorities?

6. See verses 9-11. Why did such a large crowd gather and many put their faith in Jesus? What do these verses show about the spiritual condition of the religious leaders?