We realize you may not be able to discuss b. If you could do something for Jesus, or give all the questions. Pick the ones you like. something to Jesus, what would it be? Why? Small Group Questions c. Have you ever had someone second-guess or “The Anointing: Profiles in Character” question your act of giving a generous gift to John 12:1-11 another? How would you react if someone questioned or scoffed at your act of generosity Previous message summary: When Jesus learns that his to Jesus? friend Lazarus is ill, instead of going to Bethany to be with his sick friend, Jesus lingers where he is for two days. By the time Discussion Questions Jesus finally makes the journey to Bethany to be with Lazarus’ Read John 12:1-11 family, his friend Lazarus has been dead for four days. In John chapter 11, Jesus has a conversation with Lazarus’ two sisters, 2. When do the events of chapter 12 take place? How Mary and Martha. Their statement to Jesus is, “Lord, if you had long does Jesus have before he is crucified and been here, my brother would not have died.” In the midst of buried? their grief and sorrow, Jesus reminds them that he is the resurrection and the life and that he is the master over the a. Why has Jesus come to Bethany? What is the grave and the Lord of life. However, in the midst of sorrow, occasion that merits this gathering together for Jesus stops to mourn and sympathize with those who are dinner? What has just happened in the life of suffering great loss. The last conversation that Jesus has in Lazarus (chapter 11)? Read John 12:1-2. John chapter 11 is with Lazarus himself, when he says, b. Who is in attendance at the dinner? “Lazarus, come out.” The miraculous happens when a man who has been dead for four days walks out of the grave at c. Who is serving in this story? Who do we find at Jesus’ command. This is a precursor to what we will see as the feet of Jesus in this story? Is this consistent Jesus himself is resurrected after his death and burial. with what we know about Mary & Martha? What we learned: This chapter of John reminds us that Jesus Read Luke 10:38-42. knows and cares about the sorrow and grief that touches our 3. What does Mary do for Jesus while he is reclined at lives. He is with us in the midst of the hard and difficult things the table? Is Mary doing something that is very that we endure. But in addition to being with us in those difficult common, or is her anointing of Jesus uncommon things, we know that Jesus is bigger than any obstacle or and extremely special? problem that comes before us because he is God in the flesh who speaks, and even the grave obeys. a. When we see Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha in Scripture, where is she always Introduction pictured? Read Luke 10:39, John 11:32, John 1. What is the most extravagant gift you have ever 12:3. What does Mary’s position tell us about given to someone? Was it difficult to give something her heart for Jesus? of great value away? How was the gift received? b. What was the value of this “expensive” a. Have you ever received something of great ointment? Read John 12:5. Remember that a value? What did that gift tell you about the denarius is one day’s wage for the average relationship you had with the person giving it? worker. What is the modern day value? c. How did Mary get this expensive ointment? the significance of this single act performed by What are some of the possible reasons that a woman? she might have something of this value in her 6. What is the modern day equivalent to the love and possession? devotion that Mary showed to Jesus in this story? d. What does this single act of devotion by Mary a. What can you do to show your love and indicate about her willingness to give Jesus her devotion to Jesus? past, present, and future? b. If there is one thing that you will be 4. What is the reaction of Judas Iscariot to this remembered for, what would you want it to be? generous act that Mary performs for Jesus? a. Is Judas the only disciple that questioned Mary’s decision to use this expensive perfume Challenge: Mary’s act of sacrifice and devotion to Jesus to anoint Jesus? Read Matthew 26:6-9 and was a beautiful thing that blessed Jesus and prepared Mark 14:3-5. him for his death and burial later in the week. May your love and devotion to Jesus be seen in the way that you b. What is Judas’ real motivation for questioning honor and sacrifice for him so that his Kingdom can be Mary and her act of sacrifice to Jesus? Read built on earth. John 12:5-6. c. What does the Gospel of John tell us about the Action: Identify one “beautiful” thing that you can do for heart of Judas Iscariot? Read John 6:70-71, Jesus this week that reveals your heart of love and 13:18, 13:26-27, 18:2-3. What are some words devotion to him. used to describe Judas? Next Steps: d. Have you ever seen or heard someone react like Judas when someone has done something G Unlike Judas, I will not selfishly seek my own extravagant for God? Why do you think they interests or criticize others who are trying to serve reacted the way they did? Does their reaction Jesus. tell you anything about their heart for Jesus? G Like Martha, I will gratefully use my talents and 5. How does Jesus react to the sacrifice that Mary abilities to serve Jesus willingly. makes when she anoints him? Read John 12:7-8, G Like Lazarus, I will be willing to share my testimony Matthew 26:10-13, and Mark 14:6-9. with others–even though it might involve risk. a. What are some words that Jesus uses to G Like Mary, I will look for opportunities to give timely describe Mary’s act of sacrifice? and extravagantly. b. What does Jesus say about the poor in response to Judas’ statement? What is the lesson for us in our modern culture in regards to helping the poor? c. How long will this act of sacrifice be remembered? What does this tell you about