Day 4: Jar of Expensive Perfume
Read
Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-8
Set the Scene
Mary, in an act of love & worship towards Him, has poured an entire jar of very expensive & fragrant perfume on Jesus’ head. The sacrifice of the perfume & the wiping of His feet with her hair, pales in comparison to the sacrifice that Christ would make on the cross. However, it represented Mary’s heart towards Jesus. That nothing was too great or valuable to hold back in the praise and adoration of the Lord.
Reflection Questions
1. Mary’s act of worship cost her in many different ways. When was the last time that you sacrificed your convenience, comfort, etc. for God’s glory?
2. Judas Iscariot furiously mocked & criticized Mary. Evaluate your life. Are you willing to represent Christ to others, even if you were to face rejection or persecution for it?
3. The greatest act of worship towards Christ is to obey Him(John 14:15.) If you were to be accused of being a Christian, would your lifestyle/actions serve as evidence of that claim being true?
4. Mary poured the entire jar of perfume onto Jesus. Are there areas of your life that you are holding back from Christ? If so, how can you fully surrender those things to Him this week?
For Preschoolers: “Smell & Share” (Sensory Activity)
📖 Read John 12:3 in simple words: Mary poured perfume on Jesus’ feet to show her love for Him. The whole house smelled wonderful!
🌸 Activity:
Smell Test – Let kids smell different things like a flower, lotion, or a scented candle. Ask, Which smells the best?
Pretend to Pour – Give them a small cup of water and let them “pour” it on a toy or their own hands, pretending they are giving something special to Jesus.
Talk About It – Explain that Mary gave something very special to Jesus because she loved Him so much.
🙏 Pray Together: Thank Jesus for His love and ask Him to help us show our love for Him every day.
For Elementary Kids: “Giving Our Best to Jesus”
📖 Read Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, or John 12:1-8 and discuss how Mary gave Jesus something valuable as an act of worship.
🕊 Activity:
Scented Reminder – Dab a little perfume, lotion, or essential oil on their wrist and ask, What does this smell remind you of? Talk about how Mary’s gift filled the whole house with a wonderful scent—just like our love for Jesus can make a difference in the world!
Acts of Worship Challenge – Ask: What is something special we can give to Jesus today? It could be their time, a kind action, or worship.
