Connect Group Study Notes: 3 April 2022
Theme: Filled with Fragrance
Readings: Psalm 126 and John 12:1-8
Fellowship (10 min)
Begin with general conversation and sharing about how the past week has
gone. Try not to go over time.
Worship and Prayer (15 min)
Click on the link below on your smartphone, Smart TV, or computer, to select
songs to sing; and then spend a few minutes in song and prayer.
PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL SONGS
Should you need to check on the Message for the week again, then click on:
PLETT METHODIST SERMON ONLY
This time of worship and prayer will encourage you to move your thoughts from daily worries and pressures to our time of Bible study and prayer.
Introduction
Our scripture reading for this week is the story where Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume. While you read the scripture, listen to how Judas reacts, and imagine you were seated at the table next to Lazarus.
Read: John 12:1-8
Discussion Questions (Approx. 30 min)
• What is the importance of noting, “six days before the Passover” in verse one?
• Imagine you were in the room when this event happened? What did it smell like? Does this seem like normal dinner behaviour or not? How would you have reacted if you were at the dinner?
• Based on Mary’s choice and Judas’s reaction (verse 5), how do you think those two characters measure value? Why might Judas Iscariot have raised a good point here?
• Mary’s action was a sign of respect for Jesus (after all, this takes place after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead) – How is Mary’s action a prefiguring of Jesus’ death?
• How do we show respect for what Jesus means to us today? How do our actions reflect how we honour Jesus?
• What do you think Jesus means when he says, “she bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial”? And when he says, “You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me”?
• Look at verses 7 and 8. Sometimes we wait too long to celebrate or appreciate important people in our lives and miss the chance. Mary honouring Jesus while he still physically lives could be an example for us.
Is there a person you respect or care for that you have been hesitant to tell? Why is that difficult? How can we help you feel confident in honouring others?
Faith Building – to think about this week:
What might this Bible passage be calling you to do?
Prayer (10 min).
Share prayer requests and then pray together.
Sending Prayer (2 min).
End by praying the following or a similar prayer:
Father you are the God of Extravagance, and never-ending Love. We
acknowledge that our ways are not always your ways. We acknowledge that in
your sight, love, compassion and caring for others are more precious than the
value of any item and possession. Reshape our hearts and values that they
would come to be more in line with the values of your kingdom. Amen.
Have a great week.
God bless,
Tim.
With grateful thanks and acknowledgment to: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/…. -small-groups