A Woman After God’s Own Heart

(40) A Woman After God’s Own Heart
(John 12:1-11)
Rev. Sara Pyon

 I. Background
Jesus at Simon the Leper’s home in Bethany (Matt. 26:6-13)
Six days before the Passover (v. 1)

 II. Lazarus
Experienced the miracle of resurrection himself
Bore the “mark of Jesus”
Had to pay the price (vv. 9-11)

 III. Judas Iscariot
Witnessed many miracles
But did not really know Jesus
Lived a self-centered life

 IV. Martha and Mary
Both witnessed the miracle of resurrection
Both had faith and grateful heart
Martha’s service  
Mary’s devotion
Knew Jesus’ heart and gave accordingly
Was a turning point in her life

     IV. Application
Of all the people that appear in this passage – Lazarus, Martha, Mary, Judas Iscariot, Jews, and chief priests – who do you identify with the most?  Share why.  What will help you become more like Mary?
What do you think is the best gift you can offer up to God?  Giving a gift that the recipient really wants/needs, no matter what its value, is better than giving a big gift that the recipient doesn’t want/need.  It’s the thought and heart behind a gift that touches people. How then can we be more in tune with God’s heart so we can give according to His desire?