JESUS WAS ANOINTED BY A WOMAN

Mark 14:1-11

Key Verse: 14:9

 

I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

 

  1. Read verses 1-2.  What did the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread  commemorate (Dt 16:1,16; Mk 14:12)?  What did the Passover mean to Jesus?  What were the religious leaders plotting?  Why?

 

  1. Read verse 3.  What unexpected thing happened while Jesus was eating in the home of Simon?  Why might this woman have done this? (Compare Lk 7:37,47)  How are love and forgiveness related?

 

  1. Read verses 4-5.  How did those present respond to this woman’s action?  Why?  What was the element of truth in their practical words?  What did they reveal about themselves in their rebuking of the woman?

 

  1. Read verse 6.  How did Jesus view this woman’s action?  What was beautiful about her actions?

 

  1. Read verses 7-8.  How and why did Jesus defend the act of this woman?  What meaning did Jesus ascribe to the woman’s act?  What did he teach about himself?  Why must love for Jesus have priority over helping the poor?

 

  1. Read verse 9.  What does Jesus predict about the future gospel work?  Why should this woman’s act of love become a part of gospel history?

 

  1. Read verses 10-11.  Who was Judas Iscariot?  In what way was he a contrast to this woman?  What do you think motivated him to betray Jesus? (1 Ti 6:10; Jn 12:6)  What can we learn in this event about sin, love, and forgiveness?