Sunday School Lesson

1. Mark 14:1-11
Remembering
May 19, 2019
First Baptist Church
Jackson, Mississippi
USA
What’s the number one thing?
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The Glory of God!
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1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
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2. May Memory Verse
Exodus 20:12 NIV
12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the
Lord your God is giving you.”
“Welcome Summer Party”
FBCJ Adults & Their Guests
Thursday, May 30, 2019
6:00 PM
CLC
Catered by Penn’s – Catfish & Chicken
Advance Tickets Required $15
References
• NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing, 1985).
• ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL, Crossway, 2008).
• MacArthur, John, The MacArthur Study Bible (Nashville, Nelson Publishing,
1997).
• Sproul, R.C., St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary on Mark (Sanford, FL,
Reformation Trust, 2011).
Introduction to the Gospel According to Mark
• John Mark was the writer for Peter’s account of Jesus’ life recorded in the
‘Gospel According to Mark.’
• The Gospel of Mark was written in Rome with Peter in 53-55 AD.
• John Mark was not a disciple or an eyewitness.
• This writing records more details of the events in Jesus’ life rather than the
actual words.
Introduction to Mark 14:1-11
• These stories occurred during Passion Week.
• Jesus and his Disciples are staying in Bethany with Lazarus, Martha and
Mary.
• Lazarus had been raised from the dead by Jesus just a week earlier.
• Mark uses a “sandwich” writing technique here by placing a connected
story between the main story.
Mark 14:1-2 ESV
1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him (Jesus) by
stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar
from the people.”

3. Passover
• Jewish festival celebrating the Israelites exodus from Egypt and freedom
from slavery.
• A pilgrimage festival commanding a visit to Jerusalem.
• Celebration involved a commemorative meal of fire-roasted lamb, bitter
herbs and unleavened bread.
• The lambs were killed on the 14th of Nisan for the meal.
Feast of Unleavened Bread
• This celebration followed Passover and lasted one week.
• Israelites ate bread without yeast in remembrance of their haste in
preparing for their exodus from Egypt.
• Unleavened bread represented the absence of the leaven (penetration) of
sin in their lives and household.
Jerusalem during Passover
• The population of Jerusalem swelled from about 50,000 to over 2,000,000 for
Passover.
• The Sanhedrin officials were fearful of a revolt and unrest in the city if Jesus
was arrested during this time.
• Jesus had created much unrest in Jerusalem with the Triumphal Entry and
the Cleansing of the Temple.
• Keeping peace was the job of the Roman officials.
Chief Priests and Scribes
• This is a reference to the Sanhedrin – the ruling body of the Jews.
• “arrest him by stealth” – use of craft, deceit or guile.
• Roman rule superseded Jewish law at this time and Jesus had broken no
Roman laws.
• They initially charged Jesus with blasphemy but had to change it to treason
for Roman law to apply.
The charges of blasphemy against Jesus
• Blasphemy = an attitude of disrespect that finds expression in an act
directed toward the character of God.
• Violation of the 3rd commandment – Misuse of God’s name.
• Jesus had claimed to be the Son of God and had offered forgiveness of sins.
“arrest him by stealth and kill him”
• Blasphemy under Hebrew law was punishable by stoning to death.
• Roman law would not allow capital punishment by the Hebrews.
• Treason was punishable under Roman law by execution.
• The Sanhedrin had to deceitfully convince Pilate that Jesus had committed
“treason.”

4. Mark’s sandwich writing technique
• Mark now switches from a group of religious leaders intent on deceit and
killing Jesus to a woman who gives her all to Jesus.
• After the story of the loving anointing of Jesus with perfume by Mary, the
story switches to Judas as a traitor and deceiver.
• The story of Mary anointing Jesus occurred the Saturday as Passion week
began.
Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany (John12:1-8)
• John 12:1-8 ESV
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where
Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner
for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with
him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made
from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her
hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas
Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why
was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a
thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what
was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the
day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not
always have me.”
Mark 14:3 ESV
3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining
at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very
costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.
Simon the leper
• This Simon is different than others mentioned in scripture.
• He must have been healed from leprosy or else the meal would not have
occurred at his home.
• There were at least 20 people present for this meal.
• The women served the meal and did not sit at the table.
Alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard

5. Alabaster flask
• Alabaster – a type of gypsum (soft sulfate mineral rock) or marble that can
be carved into shapes.
• The color is white or translucent.
• The flask could hold up to 16 ounces.
• The top was designed for a few drops to sprinkle out.
• The top had to be broken off for it to pour out.
Ointment of pure nard
• Pure nard is also called “spikenard” in the Bible.
• It is the root (rhizome)of an Indian plant growing in the Himalaya mountains.
• It has a unique fragrance and signifies that the very best has been offered.
• The smell is pungent spiciness, hearty, earthy and musky with some floral
notes.
• It was used for anointing and for medicinal properties.
Uses of pure nard (spikenard)
• The fragrance was unique and penetrating.
• Matthew 26:12 ESV
12 “In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for
burial.”
• John 19:39-40 ESV
39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing
a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So
they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as
is the burial custom of the Jews.

6. She broke the flask and poured it over his head.
• John 12:3 says that she also anointed his feet and wiped them with her hair.
• Who is the “she” in the story?
• John 12:3 identifies her as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
• A similar anointing occurred earlier in Luke7:36-39 but that was in Galilee
by a woman who “was a sinner.”
• Scripture does not confirm the woman in Galilee as Mary Magdalene.
Where have we seen Mary and Martha before?
• Luke 10:38-42 ESV
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman
named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called
Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha
was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord,
do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to
help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious
and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has
chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
• Mary understood who Jesus was and the importance of his teaching.
• Different personality types for Martha and Mary.
Mark 14:4-5 ESV
4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment
wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three
hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
• The leader of the dissention is identified as Judas in Matthew and John.
• Three hundred denarii equaled one year’s wages.
“And they scolded her.” – ESV Translation
• “And they criticized her sharply.” – NKJV Translation
• “And they rebuked her harshly.” – NIV Translation
• These verbs indicate extreme anger with a “flaring of the nostrils.”
• They (disciples led by Judas) spoke to Mary with extreme emotion.
Jesus comes to Mary’s defense.
Mark14:6-7 ESV
6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a
beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you
want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.”

7. “For you will always have the poor with you,”
• Jesus was not disparaging ministry to the poor.
• Jesus was adamant about the heavenly rewards of helping others in need
in Matthew 25:31-46.
• He revealed here the that there is a higher priority than any other earthly
ministry, and that is the worship rendered to Him.
• He was affirming His deity.
Jesus defends Mary.
Mark 14:8-9 ESV
8 “She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.
9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world,
what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
• Mary’s anointing of Jesus was recorded in scripture and taught as example
for all believers.
Mark 14:10-11 ESV
10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order
to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to
give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.
• The story now shifts back to the betrayal of Jesus.
Application of Scripture for Daily Living
Lessons from Mary “Doing Something Beautiful for Jesus.”
Mark 14:6b ESV
6b “She has done a beautiful thing to me.”
1. Serving Jesus means giving Him our most precious possession.
• The alabaster flask was the family’s most valuable possession – their life
savings.
• Our time (our life) on earth is our valuable possession to give to Jesus.
2. Once you know Jesus as savior, your focus is on pleasing Him.
• Philippians 3:10 ESV
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share
his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
• John 14:21 ESV
21 “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves
me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him
and manifest myself to him.”

8. Lessons from Mary “Doing Something Beautiful for Jesus.”
Mark 14:6b ESV
6b “She has done a beautiful thing to me.”
3. Others (believers and non-believers) will be critical of your service for Jesus.
• They may see your service as a waste of life.
• Criticism will be aimed at logic and not a spiritual view of life.
• A “Christian Worldview” is not popular in our culture today.
• Mary did not defend herself or answer her critics, but Jesus defended
her.
• Scripture for when others are critical of your service for Jesus.
• Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your
reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
4. The problems in our fallen world (poverty, etc.) will not be solved until Jesus
returns.
• The focus should be on meeting spiritual needs as you meet others
physical needs.
• Revelation 21:4 ESV
4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no
more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for
the former things have passed away.”
5. One person can set an example that the world can see and remember.
• Matthew 5:15-16 ESV
15 “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand,
and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine
before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to
your Father who is in heaven.”
6. Give gifts to people you love while they are alive.
• 2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and
whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
• Acts 20:35 ESV
35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must
help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he
himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

9. How did Jesus ask us to remember Him?
The Lord’s Supper.
• Luke 22:19-20 ESV
19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave
it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in
remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying,
“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
Why remember?
How will you be remembered?
• Mary – “And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the
whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
• Memorial Day is May 27, 2019– A day to remember and honor persons who
have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
• Let’s remember one special Mississippi soldier today.
American Cemetery in Florence, Italy
4,402 WWII Soldiers
64 Mississippians are buried in
Florence American Cemetery

10. Captain Bernard Yolles
from Winona, MS
Captain Bernard Yolles
1916-1945
Captain Bernard Yolles
• Born in Winona, MS on August 14, 1916.
• Parents were David and Ray Yolles, the only Jewish family in Winona.
• Family had a department store in Winona called Yolles and Schneider.
• One of the first 3 men drafted into the Army in 1942 from Montgomery
County.
• Commanded the 92nd Infantry Division, known as the “Buffalo Soldiers”, an
African American Infantry Division.
• This division traced its roots back to post-Civil War Indian Wars.
• The symbol of a black buffalo on the olive drab symbolized the rugged
nature they brought to the war
• Motto was “Deeds, Not Words.”
• Killed by a mortar shell in a foxhole on February 6, 1945 near Gallicano, Italy
while advancing to capture Lama di Sotto Ridge.
• Survived by his parents, his wife of 2 ½ years (Babette), and 2-year-old
daughter, Barbara.
• Let’s remember all soldiers on Memorial Day who gave the ultimate
sacrifice for our freedom.

11. Closing Scripture
Romans 5:7-8 ESV
7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good
person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while
we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The Plan of Hope & Salvation:
John 3:16-17 ESV
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes
in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into
the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved
through him.”
The Plan of Hope & Salvation:
John 14:6 ESV
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me.”
Romans 3:23 ESV
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 6:23a ESV
23a For the wages of sin is death,
• Death in this life (the first death) is 100%.
• Even Jesus, the only one who doesn’t deserve death, died in this life to
pay the penalty for our sin.
• The death referred to in Romans 6:23a is the “second death” explained in
Revelation 21:8.
Revelation 21:8 ESV
8 “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the
sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the
lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
• Anyone who’s lifestyle is one or more of the sins listed in Revelation 21:8,
will experience the “second death” if they do not repent.
• To Repent means to turn around, to go in the opposite direction, to turn
away from sin and to come to Jesus.
Romans 5:8 ESV
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for
us.
Romans 6:23b ESV
23b but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12. Revelation 21:7 ESV
7 “The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will
be my son.”
• Romans 10:9-10 explains to us how to be conquerors.
Romans 10:9-10 ESV
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your
heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart
one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Romans 10:13 ESV
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Do you have questions?
Would you like to know more?
Please, contact First Baptist Church Jackson at 601-949-1900 or
http://firstbaptistjackson.org/contact/