On Loving the Son

Mary has seen her beloved brother, Lazarus, raised to life by this Jesus. Not only, then, does her family love Jesus as a friend, but they have come to love him for this great saving deed, and the power and compassion it revealed. When we see the Son of God display his excellencies, the right response is loving devotion. Those who don’t see his excellencies, lack this devotion (John 12.1-11). 

Sermon Reflection Questions

1. Consider a time when a loved one received medical help when in great need. How did you feel about the doctors and nurses after your loved one was saved?

2. How would Mary, Martha and Lazarus have been feeling about Jesus, as the party begins in John 12.1-2? 

3. In what ways is Mary’s gesture of love for Jesus extravagant? (12.3, 5)?

4. What would have moved her heart, to express such extravagant love?

5. In what ways is the hope of our resurrection better than Lazarus’ restoration to his life in this world?

6. At what cost does the promise of our forgiveness and resurrection come to us (12.7-8)?

7. What reasons do we have -more than Mary in this story- to be thankful to Jesus? Spend some time thanking Jesus for these gifts. 

Praise and Worship

‘Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty’ – from the Hymns Project. 

Sing along with Sovereign Grace Music, ‘Jesus Thank You’. 

Enjoy this Video from The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, ‘Psalm 34’.