Faith Talk – March 22, 2026
Faith Talks are designed to help you keep the conversation going beyond Sunday morning. Use this guide with your family or friends to reflect on the sermon and Life Group lesson, pray together, and put God’s Word into practice. Think of this guide as a starting place—then let God shape the conversation.
Sermon
Title: Following Jesus to a Friend’s House
Scripture: John 12:1-11
Overview: In John 12:1–11, Jesus visits Bethany just days before the cross and shares a meal with close friends. Martha serves, Mary anoints Jesus with costly perfume, and Lazarus sits at the table as a living testimony of Jesus’ power. In contrast to their love and devotion, Judas responds with criticism and selfish motives. The passage highlights worship, service, witness, and the growing opposition to Jesus as His final week begins.
Main Points:
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
For Students & Adults
Application: This week, choose one intentional way to follow Jesus by worshiping Him, serving others, or sharing your story of what He has done in your life.
Scripture: John 12:1-11
Overview: In John 12:1–11, Jesus visits Bethany just days before the cross and shares a meal with close friends. Martha serves, Mary anoints Jesus with costly perfume, and Lazarus sits at the table as a living testimony of Jesus’ power. In contrast to their love and devotion, Judas responds with criticism and selfish motives. The passage highlights worship, service, witness, and the growing opposition to Jesus as His final week begins.
Main Points:
- The Celebration
- The Complaint
- A Crowd
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
- What do Martha, Mary, and Lazarus each show us about loving Jesus?
- Why do you think Mary wanted to give Jesus something so special?
- What is one way you can worship, serve, or talk about Jesus this week?
For Students & Adults
- Martha served, Mary worshiped, and Lazarus witnessed. Which of those comes most naturally to you, and which needs to grow?
- What made Mary’s act of worship so meaningful and costly?
- Judas looked spiritual on the outside, but his heart was wrong. How can we guard against fake devotion or selfish motives?
Application: This week, choose one intentional way to follow Jesus by worshiping Him, serving others, or sharing your story of what He has done in your life.
Life Group
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Christ/Gospel Connections:
All of Scripture points back to Jesus. In our study each week, every age group’s lesson includes a note about how the message connects to Christ. Use these Christ/Gospel Connections as a springboard for meaningful discussion about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Preschool – The wise men worshiped Jesus as King. Jesus is the true King who deserves all our worship.
Kids – The wise men worshiped Jesus as the Messiah and gave Him valuable gifts. Jesus gave His life for us when He died on the cross for our sins. Jesus is worthy of worship.
Students – Jesus was born to be our great Shepherd. When the wise men came before Jesus, they worshipped Him and offered Him gifts fit for a king. Jesus, even as a baby, was the King of kings and the Lord of all creation. One day, He will return to rule His eternal kingdom.
Adults – The wise men from a foreign country recognized Jesus as the King of the Jews, as creation aligned to reveal His birthplace. And when they found Him, they rightfully worshiped Him.
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
For Students & Adults
Christ/Gospel Connections:
All of Scripture points back to Jesus. In our study each week, every age group’s lesson includes a note about how the message connects to Christ. Use these Christ/Gospel Connections as a springboard for meaningful discussion about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Preschool – The wise men worshiped Jesus as King. Jesus is the true King who deserves all our worship.
Kids – The wise men worshiped Jesus as the Messiah and gave Him valuable gifts. Jesus gave His life for us when He died on the cross for our sins. Jesus is worthy of worship.
Students – Jesus was born to be our great Shepherd. When the wise men came before Jesus, they worshipped Him and offered Him gifts fit for a king. Jesus, even as a baby, was the King of kings and the Lord of all creation. One day, He will return to rule His eternal kingdom.
Adults – The wise men from a foreign country recognized Jesus as the King of the Jews, as creation aligned to reveal His birthplace. And when they found Him, they rightfully worshiped Him.
Discussion Questions:
For Kids
- Why did the wise men travel so far to find Jesus?
- What do their gifts show us about who Jesus is?
- What are some ways we can show Jesus that He is our King?
For Students & Adults
- What does this story teach us about who Jesus is?
- Why is Jesus worthy of worship from every person and every nation?
- What does it look like to truly surrender your life to Jesus as King?
Pray Together
- Thank Jesus for being the true King who is worthy of worship.
- Commit to worship Him with sincerity, serve Him faithfully, and live as a bold witness.
- Ask God to help your family or group surrender more fully to Jesus and follow Him with joyful obedience.
Activity
Gifts for the King
Supplies:
Instructions:
- Paper
- Crayons or markers
- Scissors
- Small box, basket, or bowl
Instructions:
- Give each person 2–3 small pieces of paper.
- On each paper, write or draw something you can offer to Jesus this week, such as your time, obedience, kindness, praise, or service.
- Fold the papers and place them in the box or basket as a reminder that Jesus is worthy of your whole life.
- Take turns sharing one “gift” you want to offer Him this week.
- Close by praying together and asking Jesus to help you honor Him as King.
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