This story Jesus being anointed with perfume is short and can be read directly from the Bible to your students. Here are some highlights and context:
The important thing to get across to your students is that this was done in preparation for the Jesus' crucifixion and burial.
(Note: This story is the subject of considerable debate. All four gospels record an event where Jesus was anointed with costly oil by a woman. The question is whether it is one event told in all four gospels, or whether there were two different events, one recorded in Matthew, Mark, and John and a separate event recorded in Luke. We won't go into all the details of each argument. Rather, we focus on the John account in telling this story. For reference, the other accounts of Jesus being anointed with oil are in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and Luke 7:36-50)
Does your mom wear perfume? Or your dad cologne? Do you like the smell of it? Do you ever wear perfume, cologne or other smelly things?
Today, we're going to learn about a time in the Bible when someone poured a bunch of expensive perfume all over Jesus!
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or tell the story yourself.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: John 12:1-8
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard. It was an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume. John 12:3
Supplies perfume, cotton balls, pencils, paper
Scripture Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard. It was an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume. John 12:3
Supplies Mary printout, brown or black yarn, perfume, cotton swab
Heads up! This activity should be used in accordance with your beliefs. We are basing the authority of teachers to anoint their students by Hebrews 8 and 1 Peter 2:9. We are His holy priesthood; His chosen people.
Scripture Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3 (ESV)
Supplies anointing oil (olive oil is fine)
The following verses are examples of anointing in the Bible. Read different versions of the Bible to get a full understanding.
Scripture Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard. It was an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume. John 12:3
Supplies baby food jars, cotton balls or cloth, perfume, paint brushes, glue, tissue paper
Scripture Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard. It was an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume. John 12:3
Supplies rose petals, lavender leaves (optional), filtered water, tea strainer, small glass jar
Heads up! This is a great activity for outside.
Scripture [Judas] said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. John 12:6
Supplies Fabric, rope, and coins to make a moneybag
Scripture Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard. It was an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume. John 12:3
Supplies small glass vases, bamboo skewers, essential oil, baby oilm, ribbon