Encounters Mary Ben Davis March 25th & 26th, 2017

Encounters Mary Ben Davis March 25 th & 26 th , 20 17





Small Group Discussion Questions Each weekend leading up to Easter we’re going to study a person who encountered Jesus the last week of his life. The goal is for each one of us to have a personal encounter with Jesus. Ice Breaker

Mark 14:3-9 “While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, ‘Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.’ And they rebuked her harshly. ‘Leave her alone,’ said Jesus. ‘Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’”

What is the most valuable possession you have? What would it mean to you to give it away? What are some of the takeaways you had from the message on Mary? Scripture Read Mark 14:3-9 1.

If you had a year’s wages to blow on friends, which would you choose: (a) A big party for all? (b) Glorious trip for a few? Or (c) Extravagant gift for one?

2.

How does this woman’s action (v.3) strike you: Thoughtful but misguided? Tasteful, but extravagant? Wasteful, no buts about it? Honoring to the nth degree?

3.

Why do you think she broke the alabaster jar? What is this significant?

4.

Do you think the perfume could have been better used? Why? How was her action justified by Jesus (vv 6-9) and used by Judas (vv 10-11)?

A beautiful _______________________________________________

5.

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Why did this woman who anointed Jesus know to prepare him for his burial when the disciples did not?

6.

What point do the disciples miss?

7.

Why do they suddenly seem concerned for the poor?

8.

What would you like to do for Jesus that might cause him to make a similar statement as in verse 9?

9.

What is the most beautiful, touching thing another person has ever done for you?

A beautiful _______________________________________________ John 12:1-3 “Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair.”

A beautiful _______________________________________________ Mark 14:1 “Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.” A beautiful _______________________________________________

Pray