Lesson Learned: Mary shows her love to Jesus.
Materials Needed: old, clean milk carton, stickers
Bible Verse:
Matthew 26:6-13
6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
John 12:1-3
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Talking Points: Jesus had come to eat dinner with some of His friends. One of His friend’s, Mary, was with Him, and she was so filled with love that she came to Him and washed His feet with a very expensive perfume. Some of the other people that were there could not believe that she had done this but Jesus was glad that she had done it. He appreciated her gift because she was showing Him the special love she had for Him. Jesus is pleased when we give gifts to Him, especially ourselves. We can give ourselves to Him by asking for forgiveness when we do something wrong or by sharing our toys or listening to our parents. Most importantly, we show Jesus we love Him when we love others!
Questions: What kind of special gift can you give to Jesus? Does Jesus like it when you love other Him? What about when you love other people? What are some ways you can show your love to someone today?
Activity: Decorate the milk carton with stickers. Then act out the story of Mary washing Jesus’ feet. Have the child sit in a chair and “pour” the milk carton onto their feet. Dry the child’s feet with your hair, just like Mary did. Switch and let the child have a turn pretending to pour the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet.
Prayer: Heavenly Father and Lord, we are so glad that You love us and we love You too! Fill our hearts with love for You and everyone we meet. Amen!