Jesus and Gifts

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Jesus and Gifts              

John 12:1-8                                                 2-14-21

Bottom Line: Jesus shows us how to both give and receive gifts and honors.

Introduction:

 A. An unbelievable gift to my family from Mrs. Anne!

 B. It’s fun to give gifts. Some folks are truly blessed at it!

 C. For many of us, it is difficult to accept gifts. Why?

   1. Embarrassment! Difficult to express emotions!

   2. Loss of control! Don’t like feeling indebted!

 D. In John 11, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. In John 12, Jesus experiences The Triumphal Entry.

   1. Both are incredible gifts! Life and honor!

   2. Sandwiched between them is a weird short story. You can’t help but wonder why it is there.

 E. John 12:1-8, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a very expensive perfume. Set’s up a conflict w/ Judas.

   1. Why tell it? Something taught about Mary? Judas? All the others who did nothing?

   2. It tells something about Jesus. Something we need!

1.  Jesus allowed someone to honor him!

 A. No ego, embarrassment, or debt!

 B. Jesus is teaching us to respect others. Don’t pour cold water on someone’s act of love!

 C. Honor their expression of Love! Remember Cary Chapman’s, Five Love Languages?

   1. Words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and gifts.

   2. Which was Mary’s love language? What is yours?

2.  Jesus honored the sacrifice!

 A. The money:  A year’s salary? Story of Deb & Chanel #5

 B. The moment: the poor vs. Jesus?

 C. The memory: acts of love are never forgotten!

3.  Jesus refused to let it be criticized!

 A. Most critics have a heart problem

 B. Judas was greedy, a thief, and disconnected w/ Jesus

 C. “Leave her alone!”

   1. It is an act of love and respect

   2. It is a metaphor for what will happen

   3. It is a gift given just in time!

   4. It is an act of connecting with Jesus! (Peter & boat)

Conclusion:

A. How do we connect with Jesus? Just like Mary?

   * Seek   * Serve   * Sense   * Share (talk about)

B. To all of us who have a difficult time receiving gifts?

   1. Remember the most incredible gift ever given?

   2. The Son of God on a cross just for you!

C. Mary’s gift/sacrifice was before that happened!

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Bible Study for Sunday, February 14, 2021

A Jesus Study: John 12:1-8

1.  What is the most memorable gift anyone ever gave you?

2.  Why do you think it is difficult for some people to accept a gift?

3.  Why do you think this short story even is mentioned in John?

4.  What does it teach us that Jesus allowed her to honor him?

5.  What does “Don’t pour cold water on someone’s love” mean to you? Have you ever done that?

6.  What do you think your love language is? Is it words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, or gifts?

7.  What was Mary’s love language(s)?

8.  How did Jesus honor her sacrifice?

9.  What was wrong with Judas’ argument?

10. How was this act a metaphor or symbol for Jesus?

11. How do we connect with Jesus and stay connected?