Text: John 12:1-8 and Matthew 26:6-13

Judas Iscariot had a plan for the oil that Mary poured on Jesus’ feet. What Jesus observed would cause all to consider what was taking place, and what would take place.
I. The plan Judas had for the oil was heard by:
A. Martha, who went about serving (John 12:2; see Luke 10:40-41).
B. Mary, Lazarus’ sister, who poured costly oil on Jesus’ feet; she earlier sat at His feet to listen to His teaching (John 12:3; John 11:1-2; Luke 10:39, 42).
C. Lazarus, who Jesus raised from the dead, sat at the table with Him (John 12:2; John 11:43-44).
D. Jesus’ disciples were witnesses (see Matthew 26:8).
E. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (John 12:4-6; Matthew 26:14-16; John 13:21, 25-30).

II. Judas’ Oil Plan Revealed:
A. Mary poured a pound of very costly, fragrant oil on Jesus’ feet (see Song of Solomon 1:12; Song of Solomon 4:12-15).
B. Judas complained that the oil was not sold, and no money was given to the poor (John 12:5-6).
1) Judas was not primarily concerned for the poor.
2) Judas was a thief.
3) The love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
C. Jesus praised Mary for her good deed (John 12:7).
1) She prepared Jesus for His burial (Matthew 26:12; John 19:38-42).
2) This would be a memorial to her (Matthew 26:13).
D. Jesus knew the poor would always be with His disciples (John 12:8; Deuteronomy 15:11).
E. Jesus knew He would not always be with His disciples (John 12:8; John 7:33-34; 8:21; 13:33).
Simon did not have a plan for the oil, but Jesus did. A sinful woman washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed His feet, and anointed them with fragrant oil.

Simon complained of the woman’s character, but Jesus showed him that, unlike Simon, she did a lot for Him.

He commended her for her faith, and forgave her sins (Luke 7:36-50). Will you allow Jesus to work His plan for you and accept forgiveness of sin from Him?