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2005 Lenten Study Series: Matthew's Passion of Christ
The Anointing of Christ
Read: Matthew
26:6-16
“I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout
the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
~ Matthew 26:13
1. In contrast to the meeting in the high priest’s palace, Jesus is in the home of Simon the leper. Matthew juxtaposes the hatred of the powerful elite with the devotion of a single woman, who loves the Lord with all she has. What is the tension in the text that reveals the passion of the passage?
2. What is significant about the role of women in the Christmas story (Mt 1:18), the passion story (Jn 12:3), and the resurrection story (Mt 28:7-10)?
3. How should we look upon this excessive gift? Was this woman’s extravagance a sign that she was emotionally or mentally unstable? Have you ever found yourself critical of what others give to Christ?
4. Was this a worshipful act or a socially irresponsible act?
5. How did the disciples react to this gift? Read Jesus’ last sermon before the passion narrative (25:31-46). Do you think they thought they might be praised by Jesus for their indignation?
6. How did Jesus receive this extravagant gift? How does he interpret her devotional act?
7. Does Jesus’ statement about the poor indicate his disinterest in the plight of the poor? How should we interpret his reference to Deuteronomy 15:4-11?
8. Do you think there is any relationship between this woman’s act of devotion and Judas’ decision to handover Jesus to the authorities?9. How do you express your devotion to Christ?
