Desired Takeaway:
Like Mary, we’ll be “all in” with Jesus, and anoint Him as our King of Kings.

Scripture Notes: Matthew 26:1-16
We are in the middle of Jesus’ final week. Jesus has concluded his public teaching. Jesus warns his disciples that his arrest and crucifixion are only two days away. Religious leaders are plotting Jesus’ arrest and death. Judas, one of the 12 apostles, agrees to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus dines with his disciples in Bethany, where a woman (Mary, the sister of Lazarus [John 12]) anoints Jesus’ head with an ultra expensive bottle of perfume (normally reserved for royalty). The disciples (especially Judas) rebuke her for extravagant wastefulness. Jesus rebukes his disciples, saying that what Mary had done was in preparation for his death and burial.

Icebreaker Question:
What’s something that you’re really passionate about, that if someone mentions it, you could go on and on about it? Can you tell us what it is without going on and on?


1. Lean In - Getting Personal
Mary (in such a public spectacle of anointing Jesus) outed herself as a devoted follower of Jesus. Outside of church, have you ever had a conversation with someone about Jesus? Was it difficult for you? Or, have you preferred to keep your faith personal (on the down-low)?


2. Look Down - Examine Scripture (Matthew 26:1-16)
People’s reactions to Jesus can vary greatly. The religious leaders wanted to cancel (kill) Jesus. Judas wanted to profit from his connection to Jesus. What do you think motivated Mary to do what she did? Was it extreme? And, given the reaction of some of those at the dinner, do you think Mary regretted her decision?


3.  Look Out - Seeing the Bigger Picture (read Matthew 16:10-13)
Jesus said that what Mary had done through her selfless act of love and devotion would be remembered and shared for eternity. Think about how cool that is! Do you think what Jesus said about her mattered to Mary more than any ridicule? What are some things that you are doing on a regular basis that might be remembered for eternity?


4. Look In - Internalizing Truth
There’s no doubt that Mary was “all in” when it came to her relationship with Jesus. Does Mary’s example motivate you to make some changes in your life? If so, can you share them? What does “all in” look like for you?


5. Live it Out - Applying it where we live, work and play
With Easter Sunday right around the corner, is there someone that you believe you should have a conversation about Jesus with? Someone you could invite to come with you? (Pro tip: Write their name down and commit to praying for them.)


Optional Exercises for the Week:

• Thinking about your time, your talents and your finances: do they all reflect that you are “all in” in your devotion to Jesus? What are some simple things you could begin doing daily that would reflect being “all in?”
• 2-Minute Testimony: Could you, in 2 minutes, tell someone why you believe in Jesus, what made you decide to follow Jesus, and what a difference He's made in your life? Write out your testimony. Rehearse it with your community group.
• Don’t be like Judas: There was something standing in the way of Judas being “all in” with Jesus. Greed. Read Hebrews 12:1-2. Take a personal inventory and determine if anything may be hindering your relationship with Jesus. With God’s help, and the help of your community group, throw it off!

Prayer Prompt to Close Group:
“Lord, in a world where there are all kinds of beliefs about who Jesus is or isn’t, we believe that Jesus is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Like Mary, we anoint Him as Lord of our lives. You, Lord, rule over our time, our talents, our finances, our relationships. We want to glorify you! So, help us to be willing to live out and share our faith. Lead us to those that need Jesus. Like Mary, we want what we say and do to be remembered for eternity, all for your glory, Lord. Amen.