Jesus Was Anointed By A Woman

Mark 14:1-11 MK14_01_11Q

Key Verse: 14:9

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

1.Read verses 1-3. What did the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorate (Dt 16:1,16; Mk 14:12)? What did this Passover mean to Jesus? (1Co 5:7) What were the religious leaders plotting?  What unusual thing did a woman do to Jesus? What is the contrast between them and what does it reveal about their hearts and their understanding of Jesus?

2.Read verses 4-5. How did some of those present react to this woman’s action, and why? In what way did their words seem reasonable and practical? How did the woman’s action and their reaction expose their lack of love and thanks for Jesus?

3.Read verses 6-7. How did Jesus rebuke this woman’s critics? What was the beauty he saw in this woman’s action? Read verse 7. What did Jesus teach about helping the poor? In what sense is love for Jesus a prerequisite for helping the poor?

4.Read verses 8-9. What is important about the timing of the woman’s action? How is her outpouring of love similar to Jesus’ passion? How did Jesus draw her action into gospel history? (Do you think she really knew the significance of what she did?)

5.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? (1Ti 6:10; Jn 12:6; 6:63-64,70-71)