StoneBridge Community Church
Senior Pastor Jon Saur
StoneBridge Deli
In this sermon series, we will be looking at a literary device in the Gospel of Mark called a "Markan Sandwich." At a few points in this gospel, Mark will take two stories and put them together. One story will begin, Mark will then shift to a seemingly unrelated story, then Mark will return to the original story. The first story is the bread, the second story is the meat. Though both stories seem to be unrelated, Mark is teaching us something by combining them.
Mark 14:1-11 NRSV
SERMON OUTLINE:
I. First Story
II. Second Story
III. What is Jesus worth?
IV. To Judas?
V. To the Authorities?
VI. To the Woman?
VII. To you?
NEXT STEPS:
1. Find something you own that is valuable.
2. Pray about how you might use it in a way that glorifies Jesus.
3. Use it in a way that glorifies Jesus.
GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What role do the chief priests and scribes play in the events described in this passage? How does their involvement reflect the tensions between Jesus and the religious authorities?
2. In Mark's second story, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. What might be the symbolic or theological significance of this act? How does it foreshadow Jesus' upcoming crucifixion?
3. Why do some of the disciples express indignation at the woman's action? What does Jesus' response teach us about his values and priorities?
4. Jesus interprets the woman's act as a preparation for his burial. What does this reveal about his understanding of his impending death?
5. What can we learn from the contrast between the woman's extravagant act and Judas' betrayal? How might this apply to our own lives and priorities?
6. How does Mark's sandwich highlight the theme of sacrifice and selflessness and how does this passage challenge us to examine our own attitudes and actions towards Jesus? How might it inspire us to greater acts of devotion and service?
We encourage you to use Facebook, Instagram, and other social media to share images, quotes, links, or what you've learned from this week's message and YouVersion message notes. Social media can also be a great way of inviting your friends to worship and special events.