Scripture's Story for the Week
Jesus anointed by Mary at Bethany
John 12:1-11
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
Pondering Point
Since we are focusing on fellowship as a theme, see how many different “fellowships” you can identify in this story as you read through John 12:1-11. You can revisit John 11:1-3 and 32-36 for a greater awareness of Jesus’ connection with this family. Take note that others have been invited as well, likely the disciples as well as friends of the host family.
Consider visualizing this story as a participant. See yourself as one who has been invited as a friend of the family, but has not yet gotten to know Jesus. This concept is what we have in mind with inviting people into our Small Groups though Hope – to ultimately experience Jesus Himself as a compassionate and loving friend, as Lord and Savior, as part of the family – and us as part of His family.
John 11:1-3
11 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
John 11:32-36
32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for being a compassionate and loving friend, my Lord and Savior, and leader of my family. Thanks more so for making me a part of Your family. I hope all of my friends become Your friends. Amen.