Matthew 26:1-16; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-11
3. Mary’s extravagant display of affection toward Jesus—
Morris on the alabaster flask: “It had no handles and was furnished with a long neck which was broken off when the contents were needed…We may fairly deduce that this perfume was costly. Jewish ladies commonly wore a perfume flask suspended from a cord round the neck, and it was so much a part of them that they were allowed to wear it on the sabbath.” (Commentary on Luke) (1)
Mary’s display of love inspires me.
She was bold enough to ignore social convention, criticism, and harsh rebuke by entering the room where the men were dining. Mark 14:3
Jesus greatly valued Mary’s love and devotion. He defended her actions when the disciples were critical. Matthew 26:8-9
In fact, Jesus immortalized Mary’s act of worship. Matthew 26:13
Mary was, perhaps unknowingly, inspired by the Holy Spirit to perform a prophetic act, preparing Jesus for burial. Matthew 26:12
Her love for Jesus was far greater than her concern for her own financial future or her reputation. Matthew 26:9
Mary’s prophetic act was also an act of worship of the Messiah, God with us for such a short time. Her devotion stands out even when compared to the disciples who thought this was such a waste.
4. a. The disciples’ reaction
Judas’ comment revealed what he truly valued. His greed caused him to focus on the value of the perfume rather than admiring Mary’s devotion and adoration. Some of the other disciples seemed to agree with him.
b. Jesus approved of Mary’s extravagant act of worship.
Jesus said, “She has done a beautiful thing to me. You always have the poor with you, and whenever you want you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.
He said she anointed him for burial, but priests and kings are also anointed. He is both a king and a priest.
c. My time and energy
And other things that meant a lot to me. He is worthy of it all.
5. a. The plot against Jesus for thirty pieces of silver
“The chief priests, the scribes, and the elders in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas.” (vs 3) (
According to Carson, the use of both assembled and plotted is deliberately suggestive of Psalm 31:13: For I am the slander of many; fear is on every side; while they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life.
Annas was deposed by the secular authorites . . . and replaced by Caiaphas . . . But since . . . high priest was not to be replaced till after his death, the transfer of power was illegal. Doubtless some continued to call either man “high priest.” (Carson) (1)
This price was prophesied over 400 years earlier by Zechariah. (Zechariah 11:12-13)
The payment of thirty pieces of silver was the standard price for an average slave. (Andrew Wommack Living Commentary) Exodus 21:32
The chief priests did not value Jesus. He was a nuisance to them.
Judas valued money so much that when he witnessed Mary “wasting” a commodity of great value, he was highly offended. Jesus’ response made him angry. He was so offended, he arranged to turn Jesus over to the chief priests. (Guzik calls it “a sinister agreement.” (1)
“From that moment on, he sought an opportunity to betray him.” (Matthew 26:16)
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1 EnduringWord.com used by written permission.
2 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations from *The ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
3 Strong’s Concordance, public domain.
4 *Spirit Filled Life Bible®copyright © 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. (The Holy Bible, New King James Bible) copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
5 Ellicott’s Commentary, public domain.
6 Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, public domain.
7 The Names of God Bible (without notes) © 2011 by Baker Publishing Group.
8 Andrew Wommack Living Commentary used by written permission
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My answers, research, and notes for BSF Bible Study Fellowship questions Matthew Lesson 26 Day 2
