Life Group Resources: Lent - Oil
Life Group Discussion Guide - Oil
Opening Prayer: Begin with a brief prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help apply the lessons from the sermon to your lives.
Key Takeaways:
Anointing in biblical times had multiple purposes: greeting, healing, and consecrating kings, priests, and prophets.
Mary's act of anointing Jesus was an expression of deep love, gratitude, and devotion.
Jesus interpreted Mary's act as preparation for his burial, recognizing its spiritual significance.
We can "anoint" others through acts of love, compassion, gratitude, and generosity.
Our baptism is a spiritual anointing, setting us apart to serve God and others.
Discussion Questions:
What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
The sermon mentions a personal story about receiving a thoughtful gift. Can you share a time when someone's act of kindness felt like an "anointing" to you?
Mary used an expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. What's something valuable (material or non-material) that you could offer to God or others as an act of devotion?
How does understanding Jesus as the "Anointed One" (Messiah/Christ) deepen your appreciation for His role and sacrifice?
The disciples initially saw Mary's act as wasteful. Have you ever misjudged someone's generous action? What can we learn from Jesus' response?
In what ways can we "anoint" others in our daily lives? Be specific about actions we can take.
How does the idea of being "anointed" at baptism change your perspective on your purpose and calling as a Christian?
Practical Applications:
This week, intentionally look for opportunities to "anoint" someone with an act of love or generosity. Come prepared to share your experience next time.
Reflect on how you've been "anointed" by others' kindness. Write thank-you notes to a few people who have blessed you in this way.
Consider areas of your life where you might be holding back from fully "pouring out" your gifts or resources for God. Pray about how you can be more generous.
As a group, brainstorm a way you could collectively "anoint" your community with an act of service or blessing.
Closing Prayer: Close by thanking God for Jesus' ultimate act of love on the cross. Ask for guidance in pouring out His love to others and for eyes to see opportunities to "anoint" those around you.
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: The Extravagance of Love Reading: John 12:1-8 Devotional: Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume demonstrates the beauty of extravagant love. Just as she poured out her most precious possession, we're called to pour out our lives in devotion to Christ. Reflect on how you can express your love for God more fully today. Are there areas of your life you're holding back? Consider what it means to give your all to Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of deep gratitude and love.
Day 2: Recognizing Divine Moments Reading: Mark 14:3-9 Devotional: Jesus recognized the significance of Mary's act, seeing beyond the present moment to its deeper meaning. In our daily lives, we often miss divine appointments or fail to see the spiritual significance of ordinary events. Today, pray for heightened spiritual awareness. Look for ways God might be working in unexpected places or through unexpected people. How can you be more attentive to God's presence in your everyday experiences?
Day 3: The Anointing of the Spirit Reading: Luke 4:16-21 Devotional: Jesus declared Himself anointed by the Spirit to bring good news. As followers of Christ, we too are anointed by the Holy Spirit for God's purposes. Reflect on your own calling and anointing. How is God equipping you to serve others and share His love? Consider the unique gifts and opportunities God has given you. Ask for guidance in using these to fulfill your spiritual purpose and bless others.
Day 4: Preparing for Sacrifice Reading: Matthew 26:6-13 Devotional: Mary's anointing of Jesus was preparation for His coming sacrifice. In our lives, God often prepares us for challenges or callings we don't yet understand. Think about times when God has prepared you for something in advance. How can you cultivate a heart that's ready to follow God's leading, even when the path isn't clear? Pray for the faith to trust God's preparation in your life.
Day 5: Leaving a Legacy of Love Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Devotional: Jesus said Mary's act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Our acts of love and devotion, no matter how small they may seem, can have a lasting impact. Reflect on the legacy you want to leave. How can your daily actions demonstrate Christ's love to others? Consider one specific way you can "anoint" someone with kindness or generosity today, pouring out God's love freely and fully as a reflection of Christ's love for you.
Opening Prayer: Begin with a brief prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help apply the lessons from the sermon to your lives.
Key Takeaways:
Anointing in biblical times had multiple purposes: greeting, healing, and consecrating kings, priests, and prophets.
Mary's act of anointing Jesus was an expression of deep love, gratitude, and devotion.
Jesus interpreted Mary's act as preparation for his burial, recognizing its spiritual significance.
We can "anoint" others through acts of love, compassion, gratitude, and generosity.
Our baptism is a spiritual anointing, setting us apart to serve God and others.
Discussion Questions:
What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
The sermon mentions a personal story about receiving a thoughtful gift. Can you share a time when someone's act of kindness felt like an "anointing" to you?
Mary used an expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. What's something valuable (material or non-material) that you could offer to God or others as an act of devotion?
How does understanding Jesus as the "Anointed One" (Messiah/Christ) deepen your appreciation for His role and sacrifice?
The disciples initially saw Mary's act as wasteful. Have you ever misjudged someone's generous action? What can we learn from Jesus' response?
In what ways can we "anoint" others in our daily lives? Be specific about actions we can take.
How does the idea of being "anointed" at baptism change your perspective on your purpose and calling as a Christian?
Practical Applications:
This week, intentionally look for opportunities to "anoint" someone with an act of love or generosity. Come prepared to share your experience next time.
Reflect on how you've been "anointed" by others' kindness. Write thank-you notes to a few people who have blessed you in this way.
Consider areas of your life where you might be holding back from fully "pouring out" your gifts or resources for God. Pray about how you can be more generous.
As a group, brainstorm a way you could collectively "anoint" your community with an act of service or blessing.
Closing Prayer: Close by thanking God for Jesus' ultimate act of love on the cross. Ask for guidance in pouring out His love to others and for eyes to see opportunities to "anoint" those around you.
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: The Extravagance of Love Reading: John 12:1-8 Devotional: Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume demonstrates the beauty of extravagant love. Just as she poured out her most precious possession, we're called to pour out our lives in devotion to Christ. Reflect on how you can express your love for God more fully today. Are there areas of your life you're holding back? Consider what it means to give your all to Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of deep gratitude and love.
Day 2: Recognizing Divine Moments Reading: Mark 14:3-9 Devotional: Jesus recognized the significance of Mary's act, seeing beyond the present moment to its deeper meaning. In our daily lives, we often miss divine appointments or fail to see the spiritual significance of ordinary events. Today, pray for heightened spiritual awareness. Look for ways God might be working in unexpected places or through unexpected people. How can you be more attentive to God's presence in your everyday experiences?
Day 3: The Anointing of the Spirit Reading: Luke 4:16-21 Devotional: Jesus declared Himself anointed by the Spirit to bring good news. As followers of Christ, we too are anointed by the Holy Spirit for God's purposes. Reflect on your own calling and anointing. How is God equipping you to serve others and share His love? Consider the unique gifts and opportunities God has given you. Ask for guidance in using these to fulfill your spiritual purpose and bless others.
Day 4: Preparing for Sacrifice Reading: Matthew 26:6-13 Devotional: Mary's anointing of Jesus was preparation for His coming sacrifice. In our lives, God often prepares us for challenges or callings we don't yet understand. Think about times when God has prepared you for something in advance. How can you cultivate a heart that's ready to follow God's leading, even when the path isn't clear? Pray for the faith to trust God's preparation in your life.
Day 5: Leaving a Legacy of Love Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Devotional: Jesus said Mary's act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Our acts of love and devotion, no matter how small they may seem, can have a lasting impact. Reflect on the legacy you want to leave. How can your daily actions demonstrate Christ's love to others? Consider one specific way you can "anoint" someone with kindness or generosity today, pouring out God's love freely and fully as a reflection of Christ's love for you.
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