Weekly Bulletin
Agape: Love
It’s A Party
March 15, 2026
Pastor Terry Fulks
12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
The Plot to Kill Lazarus
9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
John 12:1–11 ESV
Here are three Contributions the Family Made to Lazarus’ Party:
1. Lazarus showed up.
2. Martha served the food.
3. Mary sacrificed for Jesus.
- Expensive gift of service
- Filled room with beautiful aroma
- Sacrificed questioned by Judas the thief
Addendum:
- Lazarus is a living example of Christ’s power.
- Lazarus became a catalyst for people to believe.
Points to ponder:
- Participation is expected in God’s kingdom.
- Mary’s devotion to Christ keeps shining through.
- The kingdom of darkness is always threatened by the kingdom of light.
- Lately what have you sacrificed for Jesus?
- Jesus wants you to come to the light?
Connection Prayer: Lord, please help me surrender to you and place my faith in you. Give me a hunger and thirst for you. I want to thank you for your light, life, love, and your truth. I now, with what faith I have, confess that you Jesus died on the cross for my sins, were buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. I take you as my Savior, Lord, and Leader. Please forgive me of my sins and thank you for your forgiveness. Help me to follow you all the days of my life. Amen.
Next steps for the new believer:
- If you prayed the connection prayer with me:
- Pick up a new believer pack as you leave.
- Read John 3, three times before you go to bed tonight.
- Read the gospel of John all the way through by reading about ten verses a day.
Next steps for the believer:
- This week review the sermon notes at least twice.
- Read John 12 at least twice this week.
- Pick a verse out of John 12 and memorize it.
- What can you do this week as a sacrifice for Jesus?
- How are you participating in God’s kingdom?