Encounter Christianity: In Questions about Jesus lesson plan 5

Lesson five - Mary of Magdala and Jesus (pages 10-11)

Aims for the book

To introduce pupils to key events from the life of Jesus and the way in which these raise questions about the person of Jesus.
To enable pupils to understand the importance of these events at the time of Jesus.
To enable pupils to reflect on the relevance of these events for Christians today.
To encourage pupils to raise questions about these events in the light of their own experience.

Learning objectives

Pupils will;

recognise the importance of Jesus for Christians as the Son of God;
be introduced to the terms ‘anoint' and ‘Messiah’ and the meaning of these for Christians;
begin to recognise acts of humility;
develop empathy for others and appreciate others' views and opinions.

Text from the book

If you had been there, what would you have said to Mary?

Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with very expensive oil. When Jesus’ friends saw this, they objected. They thought Mary was being wasteful. The money she spent on the oil could have been given to poor people. Jesus told them to leave her alone. Mary had recognised Jesus as her Saviour. She knew he was different from other people and so she wanted to treat him with love and respect. Jesus would not be with them forever, but there would always be poor people needing help.

Background

Any anointing in the Gospels has two immediate points of reference: First, the word ‘Messiah’ means ‘anointed’ so there is an implication that Jesus is the Messiah’. Secondly, dead bodies were anointed before burial so there is a direct reference to Jesus’ death. Mary recognised who Jesus was, respecting him and acting as his servant. Jesus recognised her action and praised her. It is, however, a difficult story for many Christians who wonder if Mary is doing the correct thing. Perhaps the meaning is: love God first – then your neighbour and those in need.

Ways of using the picture

Discuss the various ways in which we show respect for each other.
Why was it not time to give the money to the poor? What do you think Jesus meant? Do you agree with him?
Mary was using expensive oil. What do you think that meant to her? What was she saying to Jesus?
What is the artist, Wu Yuen-Kwei, illustrating in this scene? What are they all saying?

Bible references

Matthew 26.6-13, Mark 14.3-9, John 12.1-8

Key words

Anoint
Messiah
Saviour
Humility
Humble
Love
Respect
Servant

Activity

Read the text of page 11 together as a class. Explain any new terms. Study the picture and consider how the different characters felt about Mary’s behaviour.

In groups, 'freeze frame' the action to explain how the characters felt after witnessing this event.

Individually, consider Mary’s actions and how she shows humility in Jesus presence.

Compose an abstract poem in which each line identifies a metaphorical expression to explain humility. For example:

First line as a colour … Humility is white
Second line as an animal… It is a timid mouse
Third line as a feeling… It is an inner strength and confidence
Fourth line as a taste… It is a melting Galaxy Bar
Fifth line is where it lives… It lives in the hearts of all people

Learning outcomes

Pupils will;

demonstrate understanding and empathy for the people in this story through drama and poetry;
have had the opportunity to recognise acts of humility;
know how to use the terms ‘ Messiah’ and ‘Son of God’ in their appropriate context of Christian beliefs about Jesus.

Extension work

Pupils can find out in which rites of passage anointing takes place. Consider why the tradition has been upheld and what the action symbolises.

Web site links

http://www.stanthonyshrine.org/art_exhibits/
A fabulous resource of images of Christ taken from around the world, which includes Wu Yuen-Kwei's 'Her sins are forgiven' (which is also featured on this Encounter Christianity double page spread).

http://ggoaley.vwh.net/history/
Find out more about the history of spices and perfumes. The web site http://www.riroe.k12.il.us/riroe/botanical/ also looks at individual flowers and the perfumes that are created from these.

http://www.genessence.com/Anointing.html
In the reading from Mark's gospel, the perfume that the woman used on Jesus was pure nard. This web page gives a brief outline of the different types of perfumes mentioned in the bible.

http://foothills-church.org/sr010401.htm
This web site gives a humorous and also telling description of when a sermon based on this gospel reading went disastrously wrong.

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