John 12 · Grade 4
The Hour Has Come
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.
- 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?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.