Choice 3: Mark 14:3–9; Matthew 26:6–13. The Savior Anointed

1. Review Mark 14:3–9 and Matthew 26:6–13. Then write answers to the following questions:
• What reason is given for why the woman anointed the Savior with “very precious” (costly) ointment? What does Mark 14:8 imply that she understood? (see also Mark 9:31–32).
1. She anointed Him in preparation for his burial.  This implies that she knew he was about to be crucified. 
• Why did some of the disciples feel indignant and call her action a “waste”?
1. Because they didn’t know He was about to be crucified, and they thought the expensive ointment could be sold and the money given to the poor; basically, it was a pointless expense.   
2. The Savior said that the woman had “wrought a good work” and that wherever the gospel would be preached, the woman’s deed would “be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:6, 9). What did the woman do that made it an act worthy of the Savior’s praise and our remembrance? How is the woman an example to you? Write a paragraph describing some ways that you could give the Lord something valuable. (see Matthew 25:40).
• I think it’s important to remember just how costly this ointment was.  From what I understand, she could have sold it for about a year’s wages.  If she had kept the money for herself and her family, that would enable her husband to not work for an entire year.  Given that, imagine the amazing things you could have bought with that money!  But she saved the oil for a special purpose instead.  She knew that Christ would be crucified and desired to come and serve him. 
• This makes me think of where I place my priorities.  For example, lately I have been taking myself to task a bit with how much I focus on my schooling.  Truly, that’s important.  But I’ve realized how silly it is to do my homework before my scripture study, among other things.  I think the most important sacrifice I could make is just to properly align my priorities so that Christ comes first in my life, and I think being the center of my life is one of the best gifts Christ could want from me.