The Gospel of Mark 9: 14-29; 10: 1-30
About the Series
We are returning to the teaching series in the Gospel of Mark. In this book, we follow along with Jesus, a first-century rabbi from Nazareth, filled with God’s power and authority, going about healing, teaching, calling disciples, and proclaiming the gospel: “the Kingdom of God has come near” (1:15).
The Gospel of Mark is designed to present Jesus to the reader along with the question, “Who do you say that I am?” (8:29). Just like Mark’s original audience, readers today are invited to answer this question for themselves, and to accept the invitation to follow Jesus—to spend time with Him, learn from Him, and do what He does.
Sermon Recap w/ Practices for Tonight
This week we looked at 4 stories from Mark 9:14-29 and Mark 10:1-30. Each story invites us to listen to Jesus in some particular way. Don’t feel any pressure to discuss all 4. Feel free to focus on the one or two moments most meaningful to your group. As you begin your time together, ask these questions:
Where do you find yourself leaning in to listen to Jesus?
Is there one particular story, person(s), moments or scene God might be calling you to further notice or reflect upon?
Story #1
Mark 9:14-29 invites us into the chaotic scene Jesus encountered immediately following his transfiguration. A father is desperate for the healing of his son, but Jesus’ disciples were unable to cast out the evil spirit. In despair, he approaches Jesus saying, “If you are able to do anything, help us. Have compassion on us!” Jesus hears the “if” and repeats it back to the father, bringing the man’s doubt into the open. “All things are possible for the one who believes.” The man, in honesty and helplessness, responds, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” And in response, Jesus heals the man’s son.
(Leaders: As you feel led, take a moment to pause and offer space for individuals to name their own doubts, whether silently or in conversation with the group. Take a moment of silence to listen to Jesus before offering a response aloud. When your group is ready, give each person 2-3 minutes to share.)
Do you see yourself in this story? If so, where?
How would you describe your own doubts in coming to Jesus?
Story #2
In Mark 10:2-12, we feel tensions in the presence of the Pharisees, who try to trap Jesus with a question about the lawfulness of divorce. They ask Jesus to weigh in on a contemporary discussion about whether a man may divorce his wife for any reason? (Compare with Matthew 19:3). Rabbis of the day lined up on opposite sides of the question. Jesus asked them to cite Moses on the matter, before saying that Moses only allowed divorce because their hearts were hard. He draws their attention to the intention of God at creation and ignores the matter of what the law allows. In essence, he puts them on the spot for wanting to know when it was ok to oppose what God has done in joining 2 people in marriage. Jesus takes no side but His own emphasizing what God does in marriage— “joining two together.” Jesus, in a private conversation with his disciples, also makes clear that men and women are equal moral agents in marriage.
(Leaders: As you feel led, take a moment to pause and offer space for listening to Jesus. When ready, give time for safe sharing and listening space for those in your group who are struggling, or needing a safe place to question or doubts that arise around divorce. Be sensitive to one another with this topic and listen without giving advice or counsel.)
Story #3
Mark 10:13-16, we find Jesus again teaching a crowd. He is interrupted by people bringing little children to him to be blessed. The disciples tried to keep them away, perhaps thinking Jesus’ teaching was more important than these moments of blessing. Jesus indignantly responds by saying, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” What was perceived as an interruption has now become THE lesson of the moment. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” These little ones have become an example of how we must receive the kingdom of God.
(Leaders: As you feel led, take a moment to pause and offer space for reflection with these questions)
What do you think it means to be like a little child? Do you ever feel that way?
What might God be wanting you to notice?
What in this scene stands out as an example or action to follow?
Story #4
In Mark 10:17-30, Jesus is setting out to leave on his journey, when a wealthy young man comes humbly and earnestly up to him. The man kneels before him asking “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus tests the man’s understanding of “good” before giving a more complete answer. He asks the man if he has kept the law, and he says that he had done so since his youth. Without disputing that, “Jesus looks at him and loves him.” He calls him to sell all his goods, give the proceeds to the poor, and then come follow Him. The man leaves grieving, for he had many possessions. Jesus perceives that this young man has not valued the kingdom as much as he valued his wealth. Later, Jesus laments how difficult it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom, comparing it to a camel going through the eye of a needle. When the disciples are shocked, wondering who can be saved, Jesus looks at his disciples and reminds them that with God, all things are possible.
(Leaders: As you feel led, take a moment to pause and offer space for reflection with these questions)
In what ways does this story challenge you?
Do you find yourself considering your divided heart, or leaning into the reality that God can do what is impossible for us?
In what way(s) does this moment with Jesus encourage your life with God?
We are going to close in prayer. Let’s take a few minutes to offer any prayers of petition and/or gratitude that came from our conversation. (Leaders: Before you pray, you may decide to go around the circle and have each person put their prayer requests/thanksgivings into 2-3 word phrases.)
Practice For The Week
Spend time this week reflecting on the 5th story which is “yours”. What in your own story is God drawing your attention to? How might God be calling you to respond? You may want to journal a description of your story or draw a picture (suggestion for the children).
At some point in your week, share a portion of your story with someone in your group or a close friend. Celebrate who Jesus is in your life, where he has traveled with you on your faith journey, may be name some specific times of belief and unbelief. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to close your time of personal reflection.
