Jesus Was Anointed :
The focus of this family time is to use five easy steps to teach your family that pouring the expensive oil on Jesus was not a waste; it was worship. By allowing Mary to anoint Him, Jesus showed that He is more valuable than anything. Jesus knew He would soon die, be buried, and rise from the dead on the third day to rescue sinners.
MEMORY VERSE:
“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
Learn the Memory Verse together and say it throughout the week to help your family remember and apply what they have learned.
STEP 1. GATHER!
Use this time to begin Family Worship Night and have fun!
For Fun
Take turns washing the feet of family members. After washing and drying, use an essential oil to wipe their feet. Explain to kids that in the Bible this action was a sign of love and worship. Ask kids to imagine how Mary’s gift would’ve smelt in the house where Jesus was dining. How did her actions show Jesus’ worth?
To Serve
Explain to your kids how your family gives a tithe or offering to the church. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 and talk about how our cheerful giving is an act of worship. If you normally give online, consider giving in person this week to let kids participate in the worship of giving.
STEP 2. WORSHIP!
- Sing and have fun while worshiping then pray. Take a moment here to thank God for your family and your time together!!
STEP 3. BIBLE!
Watch the Bible story video or read Deuteronomy 18:15-22
from the Bible or Watch
Bible Story Video
https://youtu.be/1G-Znr19Xjs
Use these questions and points to have a conversation with your children about the Bible story.
STEP 4. DISCUSSION!
Use these questions and points to have a conversation with your children about the Bible story.
REVIEW THE BIBLE STORY
In 2013, a world champion boxer gave his wife a pretty elaborate Christmas present. What was the gift that made worldwide news? It was a 24 carat solid gold bathtub! The bathtub was valued at over $2.2 million. That’s a crazy expensive way to get clean!
Think of the most generous gift someone has given you. Maybe it was something you had wanted for a long time. Maybe it was elaborate and expensive, or maybe it was simple and homemade. A gift can be simple, but still mean a lot to us because of the heart or attitude with which it was given.
While Jesus was dining at Simon’s house, a woman named Mary came into the house. Mary was the sister of Lazarus and a friend of Jesus. Mary took an expensive jar of oil and poured it out on Jesus. The smell of the extravagant gift filled the entire house.
The others in the room thought Mary’s actions were wasteful and irresponsible. After all, the oil was worth a whole year’s wages! But Jesus saw that Mary’s trust and worship were good because He is worthy of everything we can give to Him. Mary’s gift was a sign that helped others see how great and worthy Jesus is because He is the promised Messiah.
Pouring the expensive oil on Jesus was not a waste; it was worship. By allowing Mary to anoint Him, Jesus showed that He is more valuable than anything. Jesus knew He would soon die, be buried, and rise from the dead on the third day to rescue sinners.
Mission Moment
Share that in 2015, Dave Elliff and his wife, Mary, moved to Seattle, Washington, to start the Roots Community Church he now pastors. Tell kids that Dave and Mary have five children. Explain that before the Elliffs moved to Seattle, Dave spent three years on staff with a college ministry in Oklahoma.
SAY “Seattle is a city surrounded by water, mountains, evergreen forests, and thousands of acres of parkland. It is Washington State’s largest city, and it is the home base for many large companies. Seattle is the home of the Space Needle, its most popular landmark; the Seattle Great Wheel, which is one of the largest Ferris wheels in North America at 175 feet tall; and Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in the country. More churches are needed in Seattle to reach the large number of people who live there, including people who have moved to the city from China, Cambodia, Ghana, and other countries.”
Pray for more people and churches to help start new churches all over the world!
STEP 4. Pray!
- Pray: Jesus, You are the promised Messiah. You are the One who came to rescue people from sin by dying on the cross for us. Help us trust in You and give our lives to honor and obey You. You are worthy of everything we can give to worship You. Amen!