Weekly Leader Training for Preschool & Kids: Unit 24, Session 3—Jesus Was Anointed

It can be easy to believe the lie that we need to attain a certain standard of productivity or purity before approaching the Lord. Today’s passage, however, reveals that the Lord is pleased when we approach Him in humility and in our weakness.

In Luke 7, we find Jesus in the home of Simon the Pharisee, reclining at a table in the presence of a notable sinner. This woman sought out Jesus but hadn’t come empty-handed. She knew she wasn’t invited, yet she pursued Jesus’ presence and offered Him a costly gift. Not allowing guilt, shame, fear, lack, or social niceties to stop her, she was led by faith to worship the Savior.

Watching this interaction unfold in his home, Simon said to himself, “If this man were really a prophet, He would know who and what kind of woman was touching Him… she’s a sinner!” Yet the woman’s sins are not what she is known for today; she has been remembered in Scripture for her bold belief and costly sacrifice.

Ironically, Simon thought Jesus didn’t know the woman’s heart, but Jesus proved He knew about the woman’s history and what Simon was thinking as well. Jesus shared a parable about a creditor with two debtors, one owing more than the other. The creditor was gracious and forgave both debts, so who would love him more? Simon understood it was the one who received more forgiveness than the other.

Jesus reminded the Pharisee that when He entered his house, Simon didn’t wash His feet, kiss Him in greeting, or anoint His head with oil. This woman, however, went so far as to find Jesus, wash and wipe His feet with her hair, kiss His feet, and anoint them. Both the Pharisee and the woman needed a Savior, yet she was the only one aware of this need.

This week, lead the boys and girls in your class to understand they too owe God a debt they cannot repay due to sin. But help them also see that God does not expect them to repay Him because Jesus willingly took our place on the cross—taking sin and providing righteousness for all who believe in Him.