CALL TO WORSHIP
Together, we gather to be present to the God who is already present to us.
However you are joining us, we encourage you to participate in the work of God today as He speaks and leads us. Wherever you are, God is already present and at work all around us. Let’s join Him!
OUR SCRIPTURE READING
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
John 12:1-8 NIV
PRAYING TOGETHER
Lord our sustainer, make a way for us as we journey together. When we are in the wilderness, be our portion. When we are in the valley, be our rejoicing. When we are on the mountaintop, strengthen us to pull others up toward the view of your abundance. Fill us that we may see your holiness. May the tears of sorrow your people have sown be returned with a harvest of joy. We love you, and we trust your promises. We rejoice, for you are faithful from generation to generation. Amen.
LIVE IT OUT TOGETHER
We seek to share a common way of life – a shared journey into the life of Jesus. We do so through 3 discipleship pathways: Communion, Community, and Co-Mission. Learn more at restorationlex.com/pathways!
Communion
Mary freely poured out that which was of greatest value to her as an act of devotion and love for Jesus. Worship literally means worth-ship – meaning we naturally ascribe worth to who or what is most valuable to us. This week, spend some time in intentional worship. That may look different for everyone; music, a quiet prayer walk, serving your neighbor… whatever it is, slow down and worship Jesus like Mary in John 12.
Community
Talk it over with your Home Church (or a group of friends) this week. 1. Judas used something “good” to avoid God. What are some of the ways that we’re prone to use religion and righteous causes to avoid being with God? 2. Mary’s heartfelt expression of worship in a room full of people showed that her love of Jesus far outweighed her fear for her own reputation among others. Have you ever struggled to express or live your faith out of fear of other opinion? What would freedom from this fear change in you?
Co-Mission
It starts with our “why.” Why do we serve and seek the good of our city through the being the hands and feet of Restoration? As we learn from Judas in John 12, our pursuit of “good” things can often be the very ways we avoid being with God. As you examine your voice and involvement in the causes of love and justice in our city and beyond, ask God to search your heart and reveal any ways in which you are serving for God without being with Him. Ask Him to draw you near to his rest and renewal to find a fresh passion for the work of God’s restoring love in the world around us!
NEXT STEPS AND RESOURCES
