One Woman's Love

May 21, 2006 - Matthew 26.6-13

Open It

1. What is the most colossal waste of money you have ever witnessed?
2. What is the most valuable possession you own?
3. In what situations might it be wiser to be extravagant than frugal?

Explore It

1. In what kind of place was Jesus when this scene opened? (26:6)
2. Where was Jesus staying? (26:6)
3. The woman who came to see Christ had what with her? Why? (26:7)
4. What did the woman do with her perfume? (26:7)
5. How did the disciples react to the sacrifice they witnessed? (26:8)
6. What did the disciples claim would have been a better use for the perfume? (26:9)
7. How did Jesus respond to the disciples' indignation and muttering? (26:10)
8. What did Jesus call the woman's act? Why? (26:10-11)
9. Why did Jesus say the woman did the right thing? (26:11)
10. How did Jesus describe this anointing? (26:12)
11. What recognition did Jesus promise for the woman? (26:13)

Get It

1. What evidence is there that among Jesus' followers, only Mary understood that Jesus would soon be dead?
2. How might Jesus' statement about the poor (verse 11) be used as a justification to do nothing to help them?
3. For what reasons do you think the disciples criticized Mary?
4. When are we most likely to bad-mouth the efforts of other believers?
5. What frequently happens when Christians become concerned about pleasing everyone around them?
6. What prompts us to sacrifice our time and goods for God?
7. How can we increase our love for Jesus so that we will be willing to sacrifice for Him?
8. What are the dangers in making a generous public gift?
9. What attitudes would make you more generous?

Apply It

1. What act of costly service can you give to Christ this week?
2. What attitudes that keep you from being more generous do you need to renounce and repent of today?
3. How can you begin to view the good works of others in a positive light rather than in a critical fashion?

Notes

Matthew 26:6-13: Matthew and Mark put this event just before the Last Supper, while John has it just before the Triumphal Entry. Of the three, John places this event in the most likely chronological order. We must remember that the main purpose of the Gospel writers was to give an accurate record of Jesus' message, not to present an exact chronological account of his life. Matthew and Mark may have chosen to place this event here to contrast the complete devotion of Mary with the betrayal of Judas, the next event they record in their Gospels.

26:7 This woman was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who lived in Bethany (John 12:1-3). Alabaster jars were carved from a translucent gypsum. These jars were used to hold perfumed oil.

26:8 All the disciples were indignant, but John's Gospel singles out Judas Iscariot as especially so (John 12:4).

26:11 Here Jesus brought back to mind Deut. 15:11: "There will always be poor people in the land." This statement does not justify ignoring the needs of the poor. Scripture continually calls us to care for the needy. The passage in Deuteronomy continues: "Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.' " Rather, by saying this, Jesus highlighted the special sacrifice Mary made for him.