This lesson teaches children that Jesus is worthy of our very best, even when giving it costs us something. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions, and one activity of your choice.
Big Idea
Mary gave Jesus her most precious gift because she loved him, and Jesus is worth giving our best to. When we love Jesus, we want to show it with our actions.
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)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, as if carrying something valuable. Then slowly bring them close to your heart as you say the verse together. Repeat it three times, bringing your hands closer to your heart each time.
The Story: John 12 for Kids
Six days before the big feast called Passover, Jesus came to a village called Bethany. His friend Lazarus lived there, and Jesus had recently brought Lazarus back to life after he had died. Everyone was so glad to see Jesus. Martha, Lazarus’s sister, cooked a special supper for Jesus and his friends.
While they were eating, Mary came in carrying a small jar. It held a perfume called nard, and it was very expensive. Mary poured the perfume on Jesus’s feet and wiped his feet with her hair. The whole house filled with a sweet smell.
Judas, one of Jesus’s friends, did not like what Mary did. He said, “Why didn’t she sell that perfume and give the money to poor people?” But Judas did not really care about poor people. He was a thief who stole money for himself.
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She is getting ready for something important.” Jesus knew that soon he would die, and Mary’s loving gift was a way of honoring him. Jesus also reminded everyone that he would not always be with them.
Many people heard that Jesus was in Bethany, and they came to see him and Lazarus. The next day, a huge crowd went out to meet Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey. They waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”
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 very valuable and she gave it freely, with her whole heart. Ask the children what they think it felt like for Mary to pour out that perfume. Let them guess before you explain.
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 how the crowd celebrated Jesus as a King. Ask the children what they might have shouted or waved if they had been in that crowd. Explain that the palm branches were a sign of honor and celebration.
John 12:32
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
(WEB)
Tell the children that Jesus said he would draw people to himself. Explain that this means Jesus invites everyone to come close to him and know him. Help them see that Jesus wants everyone to come to him.
Talk About It
- What do you think Mary felt when she poured the perfume on Jesus’s feet?
- Why do you think Mary wanted to give Jesus something so special?
- What is one thing you could give to Jesus to show him you love him?
- Why do you think Judas was angry about the perfume, even though he said it was for the poor?
- How can we show Jesus that he is our King in our everyday lives?
Activity Ideas
Perfume Jar Craft
You will need a small empty jar or plastic cup, construction paper, markers, glue, and a cotton ball. Have the children decorate the outside of the jar with drawings of flowers or hearts. Put a cotton ball inside with a drop of vanilla or lavender oil, then let them take it home as a reminder that Jesus deserves our best.
Palm Branch Parade
You will need green paper, paper towel tubes, tape, and open space in your room. Have each child make a paper palm branch by taping strips of green paper to a tube. Then line up and march around the room while waving the branches and singing “Hosanna.” Remind the children that the crowd praised Jesus with great joy.
Take-Home Reminder Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a pen. Write the words “Jesus is worth my best” on each card and let the children decorate it. Encourage them to place the card on their bedside table or in their backpack as a reminder to give Jesus their best each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that true worship is costly and wholehearted. Mary’s act was extravagant, and it foreshadowed Jesus’s coming death and burial. The passage also reminds us that Jesus draws people to himself, whether they recognize him as King or not.
Be careful not to overstate the idea that giving Jesus expensive gifts earns his love. Children may come away thinking that God only values what we give him. Make clear that Jesus loves us freely, and our gifts are simply a response of love.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, we thank you that you are our King and that you deserve our very best. Help us love you with our hearts and show it in the way we live each day. Thank you for loving us first. Amen.
