Barton's Bible Study Notes

Life of Christ: Unit 39 - Sections 138-140

Read Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9 and John 11:55-12:8. Bethany was a small village very near Jerusalem. It was about two miles away east on the other side of the Mount of Olives. This was the village where the two sisters Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus lived. Jesus had stayed at their home on other occasions. It was during one of these that Martha had become upset at her sister Mary for listening to Jesus rather than helping her get the meal ready. Another follower of Jesus. Simon the Leper also lived in this village. When Jesus arrived Saturday evening six days before the Passover, He ate at Simon’s house. During the meal, Mary did something that even most of the disciples thought unusual.

1. What did Mary do?

2. Why did the disciples, in general, object to her actions?

3. Why did Judas Iscariot, in particular, object?

4. Jesus knew Mary’s motive and corrected the disciples when they tried to rebuke her. Why did Jesus say she did this?

5. How many of the disciples realized that Jesus was going to die?

6. What do you think this said about Mary’s spiritual insight, especially compared to that of the disciples?

7. Why do you think Mary had this insight?

8. How did Jesus honor her for her worship of Him?

Read John 12:9-11. While traditionally we celebrate the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on Sunday, historically, this probably took place on the following Monday rather than Sunday. But because traditions are so hard to change, we will probably always have Palm Sunday rather than Palm Monday! Jesus ate dinner at Simon’s house on Saturday, the Sabbath. On Sunday, that day after the Sabbath, many people traveled out to Bethany to see Jesus. Word had gotten out that He was there. Not only were they attracted by Jesus, but they knew Lazarus was there as well. They had heard reports of how Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead and wanted to see him as well as Jesus.

9. What do you think the popular opinion of Jesus was at this time?

10. What was the opinion of the Chief Priests about Lazarus?

11. Why do you think the religious leaders were so opposed to Jesus claiming to be Messiah?

The Applications:

What are the applications of these passages to our lives today? Identify as many as you are able.