PART 1: THE DECISION OF CHOOSING THE BEST
What is the most important and better priority in life and who (Martha or Mary) chose it?
The most important priority in life is to love God and seek Him constantly. Mary chose the better thing.
What is considered that expensive “perfume” for us today spiritually? What are a few examples?
That expensive perfume is considered our entire lives. Everything that we feel gives us “value” and to “enjoy” life and give to others.
A few examples include. . .
a. Material possessions
B. Our personality
C.our capabilities
D. Our achievements
However, when you encounter the Lord Jesus Christ face to face, you realize there is something FAR more valuable than any of these things, and all of it was temporary.
Eventually, we all lose our lives. So what’s the point of being so greedy with them while we’re here? Don’t we know there is someone who saved us and laid down his life for me and for you? Knowing this and refusing to acknowledge this as truth is being unwise (a fool in the nicest way possible).
So she went, and she poured her perfume, her entire life, at the feet of Jesus.
What did Mary realize that the rest of the disciples didn’t?
Mary understood that the Lord Jesus Christ was about to die, and this was the last time that she could show him appreciation.
Of course, He wouldn’t die forever though :) He resurrected 3 days later hallelujah!! (6 days before Passover —He was arrested on the night of Passover)
What is the main idea of the study?
There are decisions which we cannot procrastinate, and opportunities that we must take if we want to reach something better.
What did Jesus say about the seeking the kingdom of God? (HINT Matthew 6)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
What does Jesus say about those who want to save their lives? What is required to follow Jesus?
(HINT: Matthew 16)
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Matthew 16:24-25 ESV
What does Jesus say in John 3:18-19 about those who believe in Him vs those who don’t?
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18 ESV)
“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
John 3:19-21 ESV
What Bible verses are we in today?
Luke 10:38-45 and John 12: 1-8
What did Mary decide to do that Jesus approved of? What did He say to Martha? What does that mean?
Mary decided to listen and sit at Jesus' feet.
He said to Martha, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
What did Mary pour at Jesus’ feet (how much did it weigh, where was it from and how much did it cost (in denarii)?), and how much is that in wages at the times?
Mary poured precious perfume/oil. It was 1 pound and came from India. It costs about 300 denarii— which is equivalent to 1 years worth of wages at the time.
- It was something of extreme value at the time. She chose to pour the most valuable thing she had (in worldly terms) on the feet of King Jesus.
-The perfume she poured over him was worth over a year’s wages (in today’s terms, approximately $40,000-$50,000
- Her lavishness astounded, even angered those around her. But Jesus was deeply moved by her extravagance and He honored her. What others called a “waste,” Jesus called “beautiful.”
What is the opinion of most people when it comes to giving our entire life to Jesus? What does Jesus Himself say about it? What does that mean for us?
People say it’s a “waste” because you “lose” many opportunities to progress socially (in the terms of this world). They say that you waste your life in church . That there’s no meaning to it.
“Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” (John 12:7-8 ESV)
His words let us know that we can be calm, He affirms laying down our life for Him :) we are going in the right path, and those who criticize us still don’t see the eternal , and only see the physical . It doesn’t matter if we suffer, as long as we truly adore our Lord and Savior. He did it first for us anyways, and He doesn’t call us to do something He hasn’t already done :)
What is the memory verse?
"but few things are needed—or indeed only one.Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)