Lesson: "An Extravagant Love"
Text: John 12:1-10
Aim: to understand the motivation behind Mary's "extravagant" gift of love.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION #1: As we go around the circle and tell our name, I'd also like to know which of the following statements describes your attitude toward the game today:
a. I'm pulling for the
ICEBREAKER QUESTION #2: Companies always plan to unveil their best, most creative commercials of the year on the Super Bowl, and many people look forward to watching them. How about you? As we go back around the circle again, I'd like to know: Do you make it a point to watch the Super Bowl commercials, or do you tune them out?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Even though the average cost of a 30-second spot on this year's Super Bowl is $3.5 million dollars, the last available spot was sold out months ago! Does that sound to you like an extravagant sum of money to spend on just 30 seconds of air time? Why, or why not? 2. Can you identify any of the companies that usually advertise during the big game? Based on your memory, what kind of companies usually advertise on the Super Bowl? 3. Now, can you remember any of the specific commercials that aired during last year's Super Bowl? If so, why do you think you remember that specific commercial?
What seems like an extravagant sum of money to us may make perfect sense to a large corporation, because they believe the investment is worth it. In today's conversation we will see that Mary spent what some people considered a wasteful sum of money on an unforgettable gift of love for Jesus.
Please turn to the gospel of John (it is the fourth book of the New Testament), Chapter 12. READ Verses 1-11. DISCUSSION QUESTION: Back in November we considered the story of another dinner party held for Jesus and his disciples in the home of Martha and Mary (see Luke 10:38-42). In what ways does this story remind you of that one?
Possible Answers: Jesus and his disciples are once again enjoyed the hospitality of their home; Martha is still in the kitchen serving, while Mary is once again at the feet of Jesus!; Mary is still being criticized, and Jesus is once again coming to her defense; Jesus is once again commending Mary's attitude of devotion over more "practical" considerations (this time the objections of Judas).
DISCUSSION QUESTION: One difference between that earlier dinner and this meal is that this dinner takes place after Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, had died and was brought back to life by Jesus. Why do you suppose John reminds us in Verse 1 of the resurrection of Lazarus? How does knowing that fact help us better understand what happens in this story?
Possible Answers: It explains why the presence of Lazarus is specifically mentioned in Verse 1; It may explain why Verse 2 says the dinner "was given in Jesus' honor" – the first meal seems to have been a private affair, while this occasion seems more public; It provides a motive for Mary's extravagant gesture – she was demonstrating her thankfulness and love; It explains the curiosity of the large crowd of Jews who had gathered (Verse 9).
DISCUSSION QUESTION: In Verse 11 we learn that Lazarus had become something of a "tourist attraction"! Why do you suppose people were so eager to see Lazarus?
DISCUSSION QUESTION: Do you suppose the crowds just gawked at Lazarus, or do you think they also questioned him? And if they did, what would you guess they asked Lazarus?
Background Note: Why did the leaders plot to kill Lazarus, also? As Sadducees they would have been doubly embarrassed by Lazarus: first, because the example of his experience caused many to believe in Jesus; second, because they denied the resurrection, and here was a man who had come back from the dead!
Now let's go back and examine each part of the story in more detail. READ Verses 1-3
LEADER'S INSIGHT: A pint of pure nard was worth about a year's wages. So, when you translate that to today's terms, Mary has just spent around $40,000 to wash the feet of Jesus! It would be easy to make the case that such a gesture was a little over-the-top, but let's try to make the opposite argument.
DISCUSSION QUESTION: Mary never had the opportunity to speak up in her own defense, but if she had, what do you think she would say? How might Mary have defended her action?
DISCUSSION QUESTION: If you had to choose ONE WORD to describe the primary emotion Mary is expressing by her actions here, what word would you choose?
Possible Answers: Gratitude; Worship; Humility; Faith; Love.
READ Verses 4-6 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. How do you suppose Mary felt when she heard Judas criticize her act of devotion to Jesus? How do you think YOU would feel if you were in her shoes? 2. When Judas objected that Mary's gift was wasteful and extravagant, his reasoning seemed logical to the other disciples, and they also harshly criticized her (see Mark 14:4). What does that teach you about listening to harsh or critical comments made about others?
READ Verses 7-8 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. How do you suppose Mary felt when the Lord bluntly told Judas to "leave her alone!"? 2. Based on the comments that Jesus makes, what do you think Mary's gift meant to him, and why?
LEADER'S INSIGHT: When Jesus told the disciples that "the poor you will have with you always" he was quoting from the Old Testament (READ Deuteronomy 15:7-11). The Lord was NOT saying that we should neglect the poor. He meant instead that Mary would always have the opportunity to help the less fortunate, but she would not be able to honor him much longer, because a week later he would be dead.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. One of the lessons of this story is that if something is important to us, we should take the opportunity to do it while we can! What are some actions that you feel should NEVER be put off until later? 2. Can you recall a time when you felt moved to express your appreciation to another person, or do something nice for them, and then later you were especially glad that you did? If so, could you share that experience with our group?
SUMMARY STATEMENT: Mary's "extravagant" gesture was motivated by her love for Jesus and her gratitude to him because he had brought her brother back from the dead. If we truly appreciate all that Jesus has done for US, then our worship and devotion will not seem a burden, but a privilege!
NEXT WEEK our topic of conversation will be "The Women At The Foot of the Cross." To prepare for that conversation, read John 19:23-27.
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