Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

A Couple of Days Before Jesus Dies - Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Sunday, April 25, 2021

Scripture References

Mark 14:1-11Zechariah 9:9John 17:23Revelation 11:7John 11:5John 12:1-11Luke 10:38-42Luke 7:461 Corinthians 11:15

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores the final days before Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on Mary of Bethany’s sacrificial anointing of Christ. This act of 'brokenness' illustrates true worship and total surrender in contrast to the religious hypocrisy and betrayal of Judas.

Key Takeaways

1God’s timing is sovereign; no human plot or satanic attempt can thwart His redemptive purposes for your life.
2A balanced Christian life includes service (Martha), worship (Mary), and witnessing (Lazarus).
3True worship involves 'breaking the bottle'—giving everything to Jesus without calculating the cost or reserving anything for self.
4Spiritual lukewarmness often stems from a lack of personal revelation regarding the sacrifice and power of Christ.
5Jesus values our devotion based on our ability and heart ('she has done what she could'), freeing us from legalistic comparisons.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1How does knowing that God is sovereign over the timing of Jesus' death give you peace regarding the 'timing' of your own life and testimony?
2Which of the three siblings (Martha, Mary, or Lazarus) do you most identify with right now? Which dimension of your walk needs more attention?
3Why do you think the disciples, led by Judas, viewed Mary's sacrifice as a 'waste'? Have you ever felt pressured to 'tone down' your devotion to Christ?
4Lazarus is called a 'silent witness.' How can a transformed life be more effective than just 'talking the talk'?
5What does it mean to you practically to 'break the neck of the bottle' in your current season of life?
6Jesus said Mary's act would be a memorial wherever the gospel is preached. Why is her specific act of worship so central to the gospel message?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Evaluate your service: Are you serving the church with a complaining heart like the early Martha, or with quiet humility?
Prioritize personal devotion: Set aside time to 'sit at the feet of Jesus' to gain a fresh revelation of His goodness.
Identify 'reserved' areas: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what parts of your life (finances, reputation, future) you are holding back from Him.
Ignore the 'Judas' voices: Commit to obeying God's promptings even when others—even other believers—criticize your passion as 'extreme.'
Be a silent witness: Focus on living a life so transformed by resurrection power that your character speaks louder than your words.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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