This lesson teaches children that Jesus is worth our very best, even when giving it up looks costly. It works for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for drawing, a movement game, and a short prayer.
Big Idea
Jesus is so precious that we can give him our very best, just as Mary gave her perfume. When we love him, we want to show it with our whole heart.
Memory Verse
John 12:26
If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, like carrying something precious, then slowly walk two steps forward on the word “follow.” Repeat it together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: John 12 for Kids
Six days before the big Passover feast, Jesus went to a village called Bethany, where his good friend Lazarus lived. Not long before, Jesus had brought Lazarus back to life after he had died. Everyone was thankful, so they made a dinner for Jesus. Martha served the food, and Lazarus sat at the table with Jesus and his friends.
Then Mary did something surprising. She brought a small jar of very expensive perfume, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet. Then she wiped his feet with her own hair. The whole house smelled sweet, like flowers in a garden.
Judas, one of Jesus’ friends, was upset. “Why didn’t she sell that perfume and give the money to poor people?” he asked. He did not really care about poor people, though. He was a thief who stole money for himself.
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has done a beautiful thing for me.” Jesus knew his time on earth was getting short, and Mary understood that Jesus was worth more than anything she owned.
Soon after this, a huge crowd came to Jerusalem for the feast. They heard Jesus was coming, so they waved palm branches and cheered, “Hosanna! Blessed is the King!” Jesus rode into the city on a young donkey, just as the prophets had said he would.
Read It Together
John 12:3
Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.
(WEB)
Point out that Mary gave something valuable and filled the room with a lovely smell. Ask children what kinds of gifts they might give to show someone they love them, even when the gift costs them something.
John 12:13
They took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet him, and cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!”
(WEB)
Show children how the crowd waved branches and shouted with joy. Let them name what makes them feel happy enough to cheer out loud, and connect that joy to welcoming Jesus as King.
John 12:35-36
35 Jesus therefore said to them, “Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you. He who walks in the darkness doesn’t know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light.” Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them.
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus is the light, and that walking with him means we are never lost in the dark. Ask children to say one way Jesus helps them see where to go when they feel scared or confused.
Talk About It
- What do you think Mary was thinking when she poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet?
- What is something you own that you would love to give to Jesus, and how could you give it?
- Why do you think Judas was upset about the perfume, even though he said it was for the poor?
- How did the crowd show that they were happy Jesus was coming to their city?
- What helps you remember that Jesus is always with you and worth following?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Perfume Jar
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a small sticker or drop of scented lotion if you have it. Have them draw a jar and decorate it with their favorite colors and shapes. As they draw, ask them to write or draw one thing they love about Jesus on the jar. Hang the finished jars on a wall so children can see how much they love him.
Palm Branch Parade
Cut long strips of green paper or use real leaves from outside. Play a song or clap a steady beat while children march around the room waving their branches and calling out “Hosanna! Jesus is King!” When the music stops, have them freeze and say one way they can honor Jesus this week. Keep the energy happy and bouncy.
Light Walk Card
Give each child an index card and a small flashlight, or simply a battery tea light if you have one. Have them write “Jesus is my light” on the card and tape a small paper heart to it. Encourage them to take it home and place it by their bed or on the kitchen table, and to tell a family member one thing they learned about Jesus today.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows Jesus as the one who deserves our most valuable devotion, and it foreshadows his death and the joy of his victory. Adults can see how Mary’s act points forward to Jesus’ burial, while the crowd’s praise shows the hope many people placed in him. The passage also reminds us that loving Jesus is not measured by what we gain, but by what we are willing to give him.
Avoid suggesting to children that God rewards good behavior with money or that giving always makes us rich. Keep the focus on Jesus being worth our love and trust, rather than on a formula that promises results.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, we thank you that you are the light of the world and our true King. Help us to love you with our whole hearts, and show us how to give you our best each day. Thank you for walking with us and never leaving us alone. Amen.
