The Precious Oil

The story in Mark 14:3-9 is the story of the woman who anointed the Lord with precious oil.  She is showing us that we should give our precious things to the Lord. 

After the woman anointed the Lords head with oil people began to murmur against her but the Lord praised her. She was preparing his body for burial because she knew the time was at hand that the Lord would be leaving them. The disciples thought that it could have been better used to feed the poor and that that would be a greater cause. 

The woman was a great example because she knew what was coming and was being prepared. She loved the Lord and new he deserved the best, therefore she gave him the precious oil to anoint his body. In Matthew 25:40 it say that if you do a deed unto the least of the people it is like you have done it unto the Lord.  I think that as long as we serve our fellow men then we are giving the Lord something valuable.  We need to also teach the gospel to all those that will listen. Bringing someone to the truths that we know it such a great tribute to God. 

Choice 3: Mark 14:3–9; Matthew 26:6–13. The Savior Anointed

1.     Review Mark 14:3–9 and Matthew 26:6–13. Then write answers to the following questions:

·         What reason is given for why the woman anointed the Savior with “very precious” (costly) ointment? What does Mark 14:8 imply that she understood? (see also Mark 9:31–32).

·         Why did some of the disciples feel indignant and call her action a “waste”?

2.     The Savior said that the woman had “wrought a good work” and that wherever the gospel would be preached, the woman’s deed would “be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:6, 9). What did the woman do that made it an act worthy of the Savior’s praise and our remembrance? How is the woman an example to you? Write a paragraph describing some ways that you could give the Lord something valuable. (see Matthew 25:40).

Preparing for the Second Coming

Review Mark 13: 5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37 and identify the words take heed and watch in each verse. List at least three things from this chapter that believers could watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord.

In verse 5 it says that we need to be aware of those who are trying to “deceive” us and take us away from the gospel.  We shouldn't allow others to sway us, we need to keep our testimonies strong.  Next, in verse 33 the Lord warns us to watch for his coming.  We need to be aware of the signs of his coming and prepare continuously for that time.  Finally,  in verse 35 Jesus again tells us to watch for his coming because we don’t know exactly when it will be.  We only know that the time swiftly cometh and the best we can do is to ready ourselves.

Explain in writing any other additional truths that are taught in the following references about how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

o   D&C 87:8

o   JS-Matthew 1:32

o   JS-Matthew 1:37

o   JS-Matthew 1:46-50

o   D&C 33:17

o   D&C 45:56-57

In D&C 87 it tells us to be strong in the gospel and not to be led astray.  When we are strong in our beliefs it is easy to refuse others.  In D&C 33 we are told to pray always, and be faithful in order to be prepared for the Second Coming.  In D&C 45 it talks again about how we should not be deceived and to have great faith. In JS-Matthew 1: 32 and 37 the Lord tells us that if we study the scriptures we cannot be led astray. Finally in verses 46-50 he reminds us again to watch, be faithful, and to serve him and we will be prepared for the time that will come.  When we are watching for the Lord we are preparing for the Lord.  

The Widow's Mite

First off, I want to say how much I love this story in the New testament. It is a great reminder of how I want to be! I want to be able to sacrifice everything I have to draw closer to my Heavenly Father.

In Mark 12:28-30 the Lord gives the greatest commandment, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength."  The Widow was willing to give everything thing she had to the Lord and that showed him the love she had for the Lord. 

What was so great about the widow is that she didn't give much but she did give everything she had. She didn't have anymore money.  Who can say that they can give all of their money to the Lord? I know I can't.  She showed such great faith. In 2 Nephi 25:23 the last line says, "for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."  The Widow had faith in the Lord and believed that he would help her after she sacrificed everything she had.  There are plenty of ways that we can be like the Widow without giving all of our money to tithing.  We can sacrifice our time and serve others, attend them temple and do scripture study.  We can also use our talents.  The Lord gave them to us for a reason.  We should use them as often as possible and show the Lord that we really do appreciate all that we have.



Review Mark 12:41-44 and the institute student manual commentary for Mark 12:41-44, “What was the Significance of the Widow’s gift?” (pg 149). Write an explanation of how the widow lived what the Savior taught in Mark 12:28-30.

Even though the widow gave less money that wealthier people gave, according to Mark 12:44, how much of what she had did she give? Write a paragraph describing what this reaches about what constitutes an acceptable offering to the Lord. How does 2 Nephi 25:23 apply to what the widow did?

Write two or three sentences describing a way, aside from the donation of money, that you could better follow the widow’s example of sacrifice and obedience.