By Michael C. Mack
1. Over the last week, with whom did you talk about what Jesus has done in your life?
2. What would you consider your most valuable possession?
Ask two people to read aloud Mark 14:1-9 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage.
3. What contrasts do you see between the religious leaders (chief priests and teachers of the law), the woman (Mary, John 12:3) who poured her perfume on Jesus, and the others who were gathered (vv. 4-5)?
4. This passage focuses on four individuals and groups: the religious leaders (vv. 1-2), the woman (v. 3), the others who were present (vv. 4-5), and Jesus (vv. 6-9). For each group, discuss these two questions:
- What do you think they were thinking or feeling as this event happened?
- How would you describe their motive for their actions and/or words?
5. What do you learn about Jesus from this passage? What does he value?
6. What do you learn about people?
7. Jesus said about the woman, “She did what she could.” What gift, ability, interest, passion, or resource do you have that you can use to do what you can for Jesus and his kingdom?
8. What “beautiful thing”—an extravagant, lavish act of worship—will you do for Jesus this week?
9. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
10. What words can you use to express your gratitude to Jesus for your relationship with him?
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Lamentations 4:1-22 as we begin a new unit called “God-Given Grief.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
Author: Christian Standard
Contact us at **@********************ia.com
