Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Mark 12:28-44 Small Group Questions

Our church is currently studying the book of Mark. For twenty-eight weeks we're walking through the book and talking about the action-packed story of Jesus. Mark was more concerned with what Jesus did than what Jesus said. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Three Lessons from Jesus ::: Mark 12:28-44

Jesus continues His time in Jerusalem. He has been teaching in and around the Temple Courts and asked some thought provoking questions. The questions will continue to come His way when a teacher of the law asks Him about what is the greatest commandment. Seeing that Jesus silenced the religious leaders it not becomes His turn to ask more meaningful questions. Jesus wants the original audience, and you and I, to think about the Messiah coming to save us. Jesus longs for us to think thoughtfully, lovingly, and critically about Kingdom matters. These snippets of Jesus’ ministry can seem disconnected but in the whole we learn 

1) Pastor Neal started the sermon by talking about a new traffic pattern in Ventura. How do you respond to the changes going on in your life? How has Jesus created a new pattern for your: personal life, schooling, social life, marriage, or parenting? 

2) Read Mark 12:28-34. Jesus encouraged us to love God with our entire being. Some people can learn more intellectual or more emotion driven. What way is it easiest for you to love God? What way  do you want grow in? 

3) If we all followed the instruction of Jesus in Mark 12:31, most of the worlds problems would be eradicated. What hinders us from loving others? (see John 13:34-35). 

4) The teacher of the law affirmed Jesus’ answer (essentially devaluing the Temple). Read: Proverbs 21:3, Psalm 40:6, Hosea 6:6, and Matthew 9:13. What can we learn from the Scripture about being in right relationship with God

5) It was now Jesus’ turn to ask the questions (read Mark 12:35-37). Why is it of extreme importance to have a right understanding of who Jesus is? Read these verses: Romans 1:3-4, Psalm 110:1, Luke 23:3, Mark 1:1, and John 7:41-42

6) Jesus seems to be upset at how the religious leaders were taking advantage of people (read Mark 12:38-40). Talk about some practical ways that you can individually, and as a group, serve others (read Exodus 22:22, Psalm 10:12 & James 1:27 are some verses that talk about standing up for the oppressed). 

7) The chapter ends with Jesus offering a personal lesson to the disciples about giving (read Mark 12:41-44). This widow offers more than a tithe; she gives all she has in complete trust to God. What holds us back from trusting God with our finances? 

Close your time in prayer. 


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