John 12: Mary Anoints Jesus

Mary pours costly perfume on Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a young donkey as crowds wave palm branches and shout Hosanna. Jesus says a grain of wheat must die to bear fruit, pointing to His death. He calls people to believe in the light while they have it.

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Read John 12

World English Bible · 50 verses

¹ Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
² So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³ Therefore Mary took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴ Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵ “Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶ Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷ But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁸ For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁹ A large crowd therefore of the Jews learned that he was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁰ But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹¹ because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹² On the next day a great multitude had come to the feast. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
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!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁴ Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁵ “Don’t be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey’s colt.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁶ His disciples didn’t understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁷ The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead was testifying about it.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁸ For this cause also the multitude went and met him, because they heard that he had done this sign.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁹ The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “See how you accomplish nothing. Behold, the world has gone after him.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁰ Now there were certain Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²¹ Therefore, these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²² Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew came with Philip, and they told Jesus.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²³ Jesus answered them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁴ Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁵ He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁶ If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there my servant will also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁷ “Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this time’? But I came to this time for this cause.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁸ Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came out of the sky, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁹ Therefore the multitude who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁰ Jesus answered, “This voice hasn’t come for my sake, but for your sakes.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³¹ Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³² And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³³ But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁴ The multitude answered him, “We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever. How do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
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.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
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.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁷ But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they didn’t believe in him,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁸ that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁹ For this cause they couldn’t believe, for Isaiah said again:This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁰ “He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴¹ Isaiah said these things when he saw his glory, and spoke of him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴² Nevertheless, even many of the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they didn’t confess it, so that they wouldn’t be put out of the synagogue,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴³ for they loved men’s praise more than God’s praise.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁴ Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁵ He who sees me sees him who sent me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁶ I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁷ If anyone listens to my sayings and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁸ He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke will judge him in the last day.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁹ For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me gave me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁰ I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org

Worksheets

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Answer key (print separately)More print options ↓

Open Preschool on its own page

John 12 · Preschool

Mary Loves Jesus

Name Date

Color the picture. Point to Mary and the jar.

Can you find these in the picture? Circle each one!

Bible Verse

For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.”

John 12:8 (WEB)

Prayer

Thank You, God, for making me!

Take It Home

Read the verse aloud. Say: Mary gave Jesus her best.

Open Grade 4 on its own page

John 12 · Grade 4

The Hour Has Come

Name Date

Read and Think

At a dinner in Bethany, Mary broke open a jar of expensive perfume worth almost a year's wages. She poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. It was a gift of humble, extravagant love. Judas objected, pretending to care for the poor, but he was a thief. Jesus defended Mary. He said she had kept it for His burial.

The next day crowds heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and shouted, Hosanna! Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, fulfilling Zechariah's words. He came as a gentle King. The disciples did not understand this until after Jesus was glorified.

When Greeks came to see Jesus, He said the hour had come. A grain of wheat must die to bear much fruit. His soul was troubled, but He would not ask to be saved from that hour. He prayed, Father, glorify Your name. A voice came from heaven. Jesus said that when He is lifted up from the earth, He will draw all people to Himself. He was speaking of the cross.

Show What You Know

How valuable was Mary's perfume?
Why did Judas object to Mary's gift?
Whose words did Jesus fulfill by riding on a young donkey?
What did Jesus mean by being lifted up from the earth?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

Kingpalmwheat

They took branches and shouted, Hosanna!
He came as a gentle .
A grain of must die to bear much fruit.

Think About It

Mary gave Jesus something very costly. What could you give Jesus with that kind of love?
Jesus compared Himself to a seed that dies. How did His death bring much fruit?

Memory Verse

“Therefore Mary took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.”

John 12:3 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What could you give to honor Jesus?
What might following Jesus cost you?
Jesus said He came as light so we don't stay in darkness. How can you walk in His light?

Open Grade 5 on its own page

John 12 · Grade 5

A Grain of Wheat

Name Date

Read and Think

John 12 marks a turning point. The public ministry of Jesus ends, and His hour arrives. At Bethany, Mary poured a pound of pure nard on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance. Judas complained that it could have been sold and given to the poor. John explains that he was a thief who stole from the money box. Jesus said, Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial. Mary's lavish love was more fitting than she knew, for Jesus would soon be buried.

Crowds went out with palm branches, a symbol of victory, crying Hosanna, which means save us. Jesus chose a young donkey, fulfilling the words of Zechariah. He was a King of peace, not a warrior on a horse. The Pharisees complained, Look, the world has gone after him.

When some Greeks asked to see Jesus, He announced, The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. Jesus' glory would come through His death. He said, Now my soul is troubled. Yet He would not ask to be spared. He prayed, Father, glorify your name, and the Father answered from heaven. Jesus said He would draw all people to Himself when lifted up. John closes the chapter with sad words. Even after so many signs, many did not believe, fulfilling Isaiah. Some believed in secret because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Show What You Know

Why was Mary's anointing more fitting than she knew?
What does Hosanna mean, and what do palm branches symbolize?
What does riding a young donkey show about Jesus' kingship?
How would Jesus' glory come?
Why did some believers keep their faith secret?

Crossword

Across

Mary wiped Jesus' feet with her ____.
She served dinner in Bethany.
Jesus rode a young one.

Down

A grain of ____ falls into the earth to bear fruit.
Mary poured it on Jesus' feet.
People waved ____ branches.

Think About It

Some people believed but kept it secret because they feared others. Do you ever feel afraid to show your faith?
Jesus said a seed must die to bear fruit. What might it mean for you to give up something for Jesus?

Memory Verse

“Therefore Mary took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.”

John 12:3 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What costly gift could you offer Jesus?
Where might Jesus lead you this week?
Jesus said the Father will honor anyone who serves Him. How can you serve Jesus in a hidden way this week?

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John 12: Mary Anoints Jesus

Read John 12

Worksheets

Mary Loves Jesus

Prayer

Take It Home

Hosanna!

Trace the Words

Match the Pictures

Mini Maze

Draw It

Prayer

Take It Home

Hosanna to the King

Trace the Words

Match the Pictures

Put the Story in Order

Prayer

Take It Home

A Gift and a Parade

Read the Story

Show What You Know

Word Search

Prayer

Take It Home

Blessed Is the King

Read the Story

Answer the Questions

Put the Story in Order

Prayer

Take It Home

The Hour Has Come

Read and Think

Show What You Know

Word Bank Fill-In

Think About It

Copy It

Prayer

Take It Home

A Grain of Wheat

Read and Think

Show What You Know

Crossword

Think About It

Copy It

Prayer

Take It Home

More print options