Mary of Bethany Bible Study Guide

Teaching prompt

Why does Jesus call Mary's costly, impractical act 'a beautiful thing'?

Reflection

What is the most costly thing you're holding back from giving to Jesus for the sake of being 'practical'?

Points to Jesus

Jesus tells the disciples Mary 'has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial' (Mark 14:8), and promises that wherever the gospel is preached her act will be told in memory of her (Mark 14:9) — remarkable praise, because Mary seems to be the only person in the Gospels who grasps, ahead of time, that the Messiah must die.

Discussion questions

1. Luke 10:38-42: What has Mary 'chosen' by sitting at Jesus' feet instead of helping Martha, and why does Jesus commend it?
2. John 11:28-35: What does Mary say to Jesus when Lazarus has died, and how does Jesus himself respond?
3. John 12:3-8: What does Mary do with the expensive perfume, and how does Jesus interpret her act against Judas' objection?

Scripture

• Luke 10:38-42
• John 11:1-45
• John 12:1-8