Mark 14:3-9

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

SERMON NOTES

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Stewardship & Our Government

Stewardship & Our Giving

1. When we give our church offerings we are giving to God.

2. God deserves and has demanded the first of our fruits.

3. God deserves the very best we have to offer.

GROUP STUDY

READ

Mark 14:3-9

REVIEW

How do church offerings and assistance to needs outside the church differ? Or, how are they similar?

What did you learn about the “firstfuits?”

What does the selection of the Passover Lamb teach us about giving?

Why does God deserve the best of what we have to offer?

REFLECT

Why do you think this story is included in the Bible?

Why do you think God makes such a big deal about giving in His Word?

What challenges do you encounter when it comes to practicing biblical giving?

What other Scriptures resonate with you and your personal giving?

RESPOND

What can you do to imitate the giving of the woman with the perfume flask?