Read Matthew 26:1-25
What is the Passover and how is it connected to Christ’s death?
How does Jesus express in this while Reading that He knows exactly what is going to happen to Him? Read Psalm 40:7-8. Rejoice that Christ came to do God’s will.
In Genesis 22, did Isaac go willingly up the mountain with his father Abraham?
What does Christ’s obedience do for us? Romans 5.
How willing should we be to suffer? Acts 14:22 & Matthew 16:24.
Read Exodus 15:25, consider how Christ’s cross makes even our suffering sweet?
How is Simon described and how do you think He knew Jesus?
What are some other things that happened in Bethany?
What wisdom does the woman who poured a very expensive ointment on Jesus’ head teach us?
The woman’s work appears foolish to the disciples. Judas, who often stole from the moneybag, is especially upset. Can we always comprehend what a good work is or what a good work does?
Read Hebrews 11:23-26 and discuss faith vs. sight.
Meditate on how Christ defended the woman against the disciples. How does Christ defend you? Are you willing to be scorned by others if you have confidence that you are pleasing Christ?
Do we still have Christ with us? Matthew 28:20; Matthew 18:20; Luke 10:16; 1 Corinthians 10:16.
Compare the woman’s view of money with Judas’ view of money in this reading.
Why do you think Jesus says, “One of you will betray me,” at first, without mentioning names?
A Prayer from 16th Century Lutheran pastor, Johann Gerhard
O Lord Jesus Christ, You who were anointed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit, give me grace so that I may sprinkle Your feet with penitent tears and may thus be enabled to anoint the members of Your spiritual body – especially the needy and suffering ones – with the oil of compassion and gentle kindness. Amen.