TITLE: “Power and Perfume” SCRIPTURE: John 11:45-12:8

BIG IDEA: We have reached a boiling point in John’s record of Jesus’ ministry. The raising of Lazarus from the grave, yet again, divides the Jewish people. Christ’s movement is no longer underground and appears to the Jewish leaders as a threat to their national power. In the midst of this uncertainty and turmoil, Mary, grateful to Jesus for the raising of her brother, demonstrates a sacrificial heart of generosity.

1. NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT – READ John 11:45-52 CONTEXT: Jesus’ threat to the Jewish leaders now escalates. He is no longer a small-time blasphemer that needs to be stoned; in their eyes, He is a threat to the existence of the nation of Israel. In the mind of Caiaphas the high priest, the logic ran this way; if we kill Jesus, the Romans won’t kill us. Yet, John comments about an alternative meaning in Caiaphas’ words: Caiaphas prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, as well as those scattered abroad who belong to him. A. What type of response does Jesus’ raising of Lazarus produce? Why do you think it was so varied? B. According to this passage, why did Caiaphas want to kill Jesus? How does his reasoning and his following plan unwittingly convey a prophetic truth? C. How have you, or those around you, tried to keep Jesus in line with your religious tradition? In what ways are you most likely to misunderstand who Jesus is?

2. THE TABLE IS SET – READ John 11:53-12:2 CONTEXT: From this point on, the highest power among the Jewish people is decisive in their plan to kill Jesus. Fully knowing their plan, and understanding it wasn’t yet His time, Christ lays low among His followers even into the days leading up to the Passover. Later, outside of Jerusalem in Bethany, a special meal is served in honor of Lazarus being brought back to life. It’s interesting to note that in chapter 11 we see Jesus weeping with those who weep, and in chapter 12 He rejoices with those who rejoice. A. How does Jesus respond to the plans of the Jewish leader’s active search to find and kill him? What does the season of Passover mean for most of the Jews during this time? B. Who does the text say that this dinner is for? How do you think the events of the previous chapter and the purpose of this dinner influence Mary’s gift to Jesus?

3. FRAGRANT OFFERING – READ John 12:3-8 CONTEXT: Out of her gratitude to Jesus, Mary makes an extravagant gesture of generosity in honoring Him. Christ then affirms this type of generosity and rebukes the selfish reaction of Judas. Judas’ intentions were to use their resources for himself, while Mary used all of her resources to honor her Messiah. A. Given the value of the perfume from Mary, how would you have reacted if you were there to observe? How does Jesus interpret Mary’s actions? B. What does Mary’s generosity say about her affection for Jesus? What might this type of lavish affection for Christ look like for us today at Austin Ridge? C. How does John interpret the motives of Judas? What does this mean for those who “help themselves” to whatever God entrusts to us?

4. PRAYER & ACTION A. PRAYER: Ask the Lord for wisdom on how best to steward what He gives you. If you dare to pray it, ask Him what lavish affection for Christ would look like in your life. B. ACTION: Take several moments in your personal time this week to explore the idea of generosity. Journal a few truths and share them in your group next week.