Mary Anoints Jesus – Bible lesson for kids

Welcome to this Bible lesson on “Mary Anoints Jesus,” a beautiful story about love, humility, and sacrifice. In this study, we will explore the events that took place in the home of Simon the Leper, where Jesus was honoured by Mary in a very special way. This account is found in all four gospels: Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8.

Main points:

• Mary’s loving act.
• The disciples’ reaction.
• Jesus’ statement.

Lesson Guide – Mary Anoints Jesus

Begin by reading one of the Bible passages with your child (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Luke 7:36-50; John 12:1-8). As you read, encourage your child to listen carefully and imagine what it was like to be there with Jesus and Mary.

After reading the story, engage in a brief discussion about Mary’s loving act. Ask your child, “Why do you think Mary poured the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet?” and “How do you think Jesus felt when Mary did that?” Guide your child to understand the depth of love and gratitude Mary had for Jesus and that her act of anointing his feet was a way of showing her devotion.

Create a smelling activity to help your child connect with the story. Gather a few items with different scents, such as perfume, scented candles, or essential oils. Blindfold your child and have them smell each item, asking them to decide whether the smell is pleasant. Explain that the perfume Mary used was very special and had a beautiful scent, just like the items they smelled.

Discuss the reactions of the disciples when they saw what Mary had done. Ask your child, “Why do you think the disciples were upset about Mary using the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet?” Explain that the disciples thought the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor, but Jesus defended Mary, saying she had done a beautiful thing for Him. Talk about how people may say we waste things by giving them to Jesus (time or money), but nothing given to Jesus is ever wasted.

Talk about the people who complained that Mary was a sinner. Explain that some people thought Mary wasn’t worthy of being with Jesus because she was a sinner. However, Jesus later said her sins were forgiven. Emphasize that Jesus has the power to forgive our sins too, and He loves us no matter what we’ve done.

Reread the story with your child. Encourage your child to act out the emotions and reactions of the characters (upset, happy, angry, confused). This will help your child better understand the story and relate to the feelings of the people involved.

Talk about how Jesus said Mary’s act would be remembered forever. Explain that our love, devotion, and sacrifice to God never go unnoticed by Him.

Pray together to finish the lesson.

Mary Anoints Jesus – Bible story for kids

Games and Activities

Perfume Scent Match

Prepare several small containers with cotton balls soaked in various scented oils or extracts, such as lavender, vanilla, or citrus.

Label each container with a corresponding picture (e.g., a lavender flower, a vanilla bean, or an orange).

Have the children smell the scents and match them with the correct pictures.

Foot Spa

Set up a small foot spa station with a basin of warm, soapy water, a towel, and a few plastic dolls or action figures. Allow the children to enjoy the foot spa for themselves and / or take turns “washing” the feet of the dolls or action figures, just as Mary washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair.

Memory challenge

Play a memory game by laying cards face down on a table and having the children take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to find matching pairs. This activity reinforces the story’s message about remembering Mary’s loving act.

Worksheets

Free Bible Coloring Pages – Mary Anoints Jesus

Craft – Sensory Perfume Bottle

What You Need:

• Empty plastic bottles with lids
• Water
• Food colouring or liquid watercolour paint
• Glitter or sequins
• Cooking oil (optional, for a two-layered effect)
• A funnel
• Strong tape or glue (optional, to secure the lid)

What to Do:

Prepare the sensory liquid: Fill the plastic bottle halfway with water. Add a few drops of colouring or paint. Use a small amount of cooking oil for a two-layered effect. Mix in some glitter or sequins for extra sparkle.

Secure the lid: Fill the bottle almost to the top, leaving a little room for the liquid to move around. Screw the lid onto the bottle tightly and make sure it is secure. For added safety, use strong tape or glue to secure the lid, preventing any spills or leaks.

Decorate the bottle: Personalize the sensory perfume bottles by adding stickers, drawings, or labels. You can also tie ribbons or yarn around the neck of the bottle.

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