The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on August 11, “The Supreme Worth of Jesus Christ” (Mark 14:1–11). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.

Outline

1. The Plot Against Jesus (Mark 14:1–2)
2. The Worship of Jesus (Mark 14:3–9)
3. The Plot Against Jesus (Mark 14:10–11)

Main Point: One cannot rightly respond to Jesus without rightly recognizing his supreme worth.

Discussion Questions

• How does the “sandwich” structure of the passage help us interpret the point of the passage?
• How does Mark set up the stories as a contrast between insiders and outsiders? Why does he do that?
• Why are the disciples indignant about what the woman did? How does Jesus correct them?
• How was this passage actually fulfilled in church today?
• In Mark 12 and Mark 14, we learn about two women who give. What similarities and differences do you see between the poor unnamed widow in Mark 12 and the unnamed woman in Mark 14? How does Jesus respond in similar ways to these women? What does his response say about what Jesus values in giving?

Application Questions

• Are you giving? Does your giving come from a heart of worship? How can you grow in this regard?
• Are you keeping watch over your heart when it comes to how you treasure and value Jesus? What earthly idols must be cast down this week so that Christ has first place?
• What part does missions have in your heart? How is the spread of the gospel connected to your worship of Jesus?

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace to rightly respond to Jesus by rightly recognizing his supreme worth.