StoneBridge Community Church
Senior Pastor Jon Saur
In the "Divine Appointments" sermon series, Jesus' interactions with different characters in the Gospel of John will be examined, so that we can recognize how Jesus interacts with us in our lives.
John 12:1-8 NRSV
GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Though the crowd didn't understand that Jesus was about to die, Mary did. From what you know of Mary's story, how might she have gained this insight?
2. Mary doesn't shy away from the cross. She acknowledges, by anointing Jesus, that he is about to die. In what ways have you, or people close to you, shied away from the cross? How can Mary's example encourage you to reflect on the cross and reflect on difficult truths in life?
3. Mary gives extravagantly by breaking the bottle of perfume open. Judas points out that this perfume could have been sold for about a year's wage. How is giving to Jesus' mission, as expressed through the church, connected to spiritual maturity? How can giving change one's perspective over time?
4. As we begin Holy Week, how can reflecting on the cross deepen our understanding of Easter?
QUESTIONS FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
1. What is one of your most important possessions?
2. Mary gives up one of her most important possessions to honor Jesus. Can you imagine giving up the possession you mentioned above?
3. It may not be your most important possession that God calls you to give, but God calls all Christians to be willing to sacrifice, in the same way Jesus sacrificed himself. What is a way you could give something that would honor God?
