The Gospel of Mark 11:27-12:1-12
About the Series
(Leaders: You may skip this portion of the recap if desired.)
This week we are continuing the teaching series in the Gospel of Mark. In this book, we follow along with the life of 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
This week we looked at Mark 11:27-12:1-12. The setting of these passages is in Jerusalem, where the seat of religious power is held. In this scene, we find Jesus walking in the courts and porches of the temple. The chief priests, scribes, and elders approach Jesus asking and questioning his authority. They came to trap him. Jesus doesn’t answer their question, but instead tells a parable of the tenants (renamed “Jesus Pokes the Bear” by Gary). As the religious leaders listen, they know who they are in the story—the tenant farmers who keep killing each representative the owner of the vineyard sends. In the end, Jesus adds details from Isaiah 5:1 and Psalm 118:22-23 which point something new that is about to happen. Jesus is the “beloved Son” and the “stone which the builders rejected.” He “has become the chief cornerstone, this is from the Lord and is His doing.”
Practices for Tonight
(Leaders: Before going into the questions, you may want to give your group a minute or so of silence, reflecting on and listening to the Spirit around the question, “What is Jesus inviting you to notice tonight?”)
Tonight we are going to use this set of questions to guide our discussion. (You may want to pull up the guide on your phone to help you process and reflect.)
What stands out to you from Sunday’s teaching? What has been staying with you that you’d like to share?
Reread one of the passages around Jesus being the chief cornerstone (Mark 12:10-11; Psalm 118: 22-23) How is this good news to you?
Consider again Peter’s references to the cornerstone in Acts 4:10-11 and 1 Peter 2:9. What do you notice? What is the invitation for us as “chosen people”? How do you respond to Jesus, the Son?
How does believing or wanting to believe Jesus has “called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” encourage you in your walk with Christ? Share any examples from your own life that would build up others. Give space and time also to share any struggles around this parable teaching.
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 some time this week looking around, noticing the groups around you (maybe in your work office, your classroom, the grocery store, or library etc). Listen to the invitation of how Jesus defines us: “Chosen, Royal, Holy, His” and notice not individuals but groups. Spend a moment watching, then in silence offer a prayer for those within your space. Give thanks for who Jesus is in your life in that present moment. Remembering the Church together is called out of darkness into His light.
