Mark Youth Bible Study

Mrk 14

New International Version (2011) Chapter 14

14 Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. 2 “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

How much do people value Jesus in their lives

KILLERS - Teachers of the Law, Chief Priests scheming to kill Jesus. Why?

He crowds were amazed at his teaching

Jesus' teachings often challenged the understanding of the law held by the religious leaders of his time.

His emphasis on inner attitudes and love, rather than strict compliance with detailed instructions, threatened their authority.

The religious leaders were also concerned about Jesus' growing influence over the multitudes and the potential political and economic ramifications of his actions, particularly his "cleansing" of the temple.

Ultimately, their desire to eliminate Jesus stemmed from their fear of losing their positions of authority and their failure to recognize him as the Messiah.

CRITICS - Some of the people present - thinking from earthly perspective

Argued for better use of money

It could have been sold for a years wages.

Rebuked her harshly

Said indignantly to one another

PROFITEERING - Mr J. Iscariot

Make money off Jesus

Sell him

BELIEVER - Mary

She spent a lot of time with Jesus, sitting at his feet even at the expense facing Martha’s wrath

She understood very well how things would pan out

Jesus was on the verge of leaving - the passover was two days away. She wanted to give her very best and most expensive thing she possessed.

Jesus said “She did what she could”.

She was not an apostle, and a woman, so she could not be a reliable witness

She could not silence the men and teach them theology

What she could do was to let everyone know who Jesus is through her actions.

Mary

Leave her alone

Stop bothering

She has done a beautiful thing

She did what you she could

Her story would be told wherever the Gospel is preached

APPLICATION

KILLERS

Some hate Jesus because things did not work out the way they had imagined

Could not marry the girl of your choice

Could not get the job of your choice

Could not save a loved one from dying

CRTICS

Follow Jesus only when it suits them

Pick and choose what you want to believe

Very shallow understanding

Christianity is just entertainment

PROFITEERING

What can I get from Jesus

Churches are full of students before exam

Before college admission

Using God for your own purpose

BELIEVER

Total dedication and commitment to the Lord

Give him the most valuable thing you possess - your life

Some people do not realise that giving the most important thing to God for his work is perhaps the most important thing they can ever do in their life.

Far greater than any achievement or accomplishment one might have achieved.

Your very best is acceptable to God

Others may not see or understand.