marked growth guides...week 5 marked: the cultural christian [page 22] week 6 marked: the blind...

GROWTH GUIDES

Practicing Spiritual Disciplines [PAGE 4]

WEEK 1Marked: The Ordinary

[PAGE 6]

WEEK 2Marked: The Helpless

[PAGE 10]

WEEK 3Marked: The Hopeless

[PAGE 14]

WEEK 4Marked: The Crowds

[PAGE 18]

WEEK 5Marked: The Cultural Christian

[PAGE 22]

WEEK 6Marked: The Blind

[PAGE 26]

WEEK 7Marked: Sin & Death

[PAGE 30]

When people had an encounter with Jesus, something happened that changed them. It wasn’t always the same thing, but it was always something. To have an encounter with Jesus was to be changed in some way. This se-ries will look at what happened when different types of people encountered Jesus, along with what happened

when Jesus had an encounter with SIN and DEATH, and what this means for us today.

MARKEDTransformed by Jesus Encounters

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDEWe’ve developed this guide to be a tool and asset for you in diving into scripture and setting aside time for

prayer and devotion with God. Each week you’ll find a Personal Growth Guide with opportunities to dig into the scriptures and themes that will be taught during the next Sunday’s message. Each week there is a specific

study method to help you open up the scripture and develop a relationship with God’s word. You will find space for prayer journaling for each week of the personal study. You will also find a Community Growth Guide each week. This guide will highlight important questions for you to discuss in your own community group or Bible

Study. These are meant to be used after Sunday’s message in the context of group conversation.

RIGHT NOW MEDIA:How to Read Mark by Tim Mackie

The Gospel of Mark by Francis Chan10 by Dennis Rouse

God is the Gospel by John PiperThreads: The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by David Platt

Below is a direct link to view all RightNow Media Resources:www.gracespringchurch.org/marked-resources

Don’t have a RightNow Media account? Email us at [email protected]

BOOKS:Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt

The Discipleship Gospel by Bill Hull and Ben SobelsA Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent

Gospel by J.D. GreearMark for Everyone by N.T. Wright

Link to all books via Amazon: www.gracespringchurch.org/marked-books

APPS AND WEBSITES:YouVersion Bible App

ReadScripture AppVerses App

www.blueletterbible.orgwww.stepbible.org

RESOURCES FOR THIS GROWTH GUIDEAs we dig into the Gospel of Mark throughout the next several weeks, we want to provide you with some extra resources to guide you through this journey. Take advantage of Right

Now Media, apps, websites, and books as you encounter Jesus throughout this series.

3

4

Encountering Jesus:When Jesus entered Galilee in Mark 1:15, he made some bold declarations. “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Jesus’ invitation in this moment pointed towards an encounter with the living God. He was declaring that the gospel was among men. This good news that Jesus presented was an invitation to encounter God IN God’s Kingdom which was now at hand. So how do we encounter Jesus through his gospel?

Encountering the Gospel of Jesus Christ:When Jesus talked about the gospel, people listened. For us to truly encounter the good news, we need to understand what Jesus said about himself and what he came to do. There are two specific “gospel passages” in Mark where Jesus tells the people around him what this good news truly is. Mark 1:14-17 and Mark 8:27-31 give us a foundation for what the gospel means for us.

Jesus declared throughout these passages that:1. The Kingdom of God is here.2. Jesus is the Christ.3. Jesus died for our sins.4. Jesus was resurrected.

He also shares what our response to this news is:1. Follow Jesus.2. Repent of our sins.3. Believe the gospel.

When we encounter the true gospel of Jesus Christ, we are marked for life and can’t help but to see his truth as the filter that we view everything else through. When we understand that we are a part of God’s Kingdom, it informs how we should live and how we should treat others. When we understand that Jesus is the Christ, that he died for our sins, and was resurrected, it tells us that we have new life because he paid the penalty for our sins and rose again to defeat hell, death, and the grave. A true encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ shows us who we were, who we are, and who we can be in the new life that Christ gives. It changes everything about us.

(Declarations and Responses adapted from The Discipleship Gospel by Bill Hull and Ben Sobels)

Encountering the World Around Us:When we believe that the Gospel is the good news for us, it tends to penetrate our hearts to the point that we are incomplete if we aren’t pouring its truth out into the world around us. Consider some of the following methods in your attempt to pour the truth of the gospel into the world around you.

Pray, Invest, InviteSometimes we view evangelism as a sprint and not a marathon. Some of the most powerful evangelism that ever happens usually occurs through life-on-life relationships. In the context of relationships built over time, we begin to hear other people truly and speak real truth without barriers that might exist early in the relationship.

PRACTICING SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

5

A great place to start is to pray! Spend time asking God who he might put into your path. Who is already around you consistently who hasn’t had their life changed by Jesus Christ? Who do you already have relationships with or who does God want to place in your life. Don’t rush this part. Genuinely seek God and ask for His discernment, vision, and guidance. When you feel like you’ve got a few peo-ple in mind, take time to pray specifically for them. Pray for their needs. Pray for their heart to soften towards the gospel. Pray that God would give you opportunities to speak truth into their lives.

Next, spend time investing in the relationship. Give this person extra time. Ask them genuine questions and spend time listening to them. Invest your time and energy into growing the relationship. Sometimes this might look like coffee or a text message. Other times it might mean showing up to things that are important to them. Don’t underestimate the power of simply showing up in someone’s life.

Finally, when the relationship has been built and you sense the Holy Spirit leading, figure out a space to invite them into. This might mean simply inviting them to respond to the gospel. More often, this might look like an invitation to a living room, an invitation to a special church event, a small group, or church service. Continue to pray that God would provide the right opportunity and the boldness to invite this person. Be prepared to share the gospel with them. You could walk through the two passages in Mark above or use the tool listed below.

Bad News, Good NewsWhile there are a ton of different methods and tools that are effective for sharing the gospel, we wanted to highlight the Bad News, Good News approach. It might be a lot to memorize, but the concepts can help to show others about the beautiful gift of salvation that Jesus provides.

BAD NEWS: We Are All Sinners Romans 3:23 Romans 3:12GOOD NEWS: Jesus Came to Save Sinners 1 Timothy 1:15

BAD NEWS: We Deserve to Die Romans 6:23GOOD NEWS: Jesus Christ Died for Us 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

BAD NEWS: We Cannot Earn Salvation Titus 3:5GOOD NEWS: God Gives Salvation Ephesians 2:8-9

BAD NEWS: We Are Condemned John 3:19GOOD NEWS: Jesus Frees From Condemnation Romans 8:1

BAD NEWS: We Deserve Eternal Punishment Revelation 20:15GOOD NEWS: God Offers Eternal Life John 3:16

BAD NEWS: We Cannot Find the Way Alone Proverbs 16:25GOOD NEWS: Jesus is the Way John 14:6

THE ULTIMATE BAD NEWS: All of my effort cannot provide eternal life John 3:36bTHE ULTIMATE GOOD NEWS: When we repent, believe, and follow Christ, we have eternal life John 3:36a

MARK 1:14-20; 2 :13-17; 3 :13-19

Can you imagine Jesus walking into your office or place of work and saying, “Hey! Drop what you’re doing and come walk with me. Don’t worry about your job or your family. Just come with me!” Would you hesi-tate? We see this same type of encounter several times as Jesus hand picks his disciples. Sometimes we think we have to have it all together to follow him. But he looks at us right where we are and says, “Come on! I’ve got a better plan for your life than you can imagine.”

What’s wild to me is that God always has a way of choosing people that others might write off. We never see God choose super heroes to accomplish his mission. He always chooses people who look like you and me. Don’t believe me? Look at the disciples. Fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, and traitors. God loves an underdog story. Not only does it make for a great narrative, but when we succeed against the odds, all of the glory goes straight back to him. So wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, lean in and listen for Jesus’ whisper… “Let’s go! I’ve picked you to do something incredible today!”

Prayer:Each day pray this prayer as you enter into your devotional time:

Father,May we give thanks to you for the gift of the ordinary days. May we cultivate extraordinary lives not by doing extravagant things, but by becoming exceptional people shaped by the Scriptures, marked by your grace, pursuing holiness in every endeavor.May we release our misled ideas of how to achieve greatness on our own, and instead fix our eyes on the Savior who has already done the greatest work of all for us. May our ordinary lives be beautiful vessels for your divine purposes. And as we move through the ordinary, may we see with clear eyes that Christ is there too. Amen.

Prayer Adapted from Hallie Klecker

6

BIG IDEA: God uses people that others tend to reject.

THE ORDINARYWEEK 1 | MARCH 1, 2020

7

Reading Plan:Follow the steps below as we work our way through Mark 1 and 2 this week:

Observation:For the first two days of this week, we are focusing on simply observing what the scriptures are pointing out. Think through the 5 W’s - Who, What, When, Where, Why. Are there any words that are repeated multiple times? Any themes that seem to be drawn through the entirety of the passage? Are there words that contrast each other or point to cause and effect? Take time to journal specific observations that you make about the passage. Avoid the temptation to draw out a meaning - we’ll be doing that soon! Simply focus on observing the words, rhythms, and setting of the scripture as you read it.

Monday - Mark 1

Tuesday - Mark 2

Interpretation:For the next two days we will be reading the same passages again but with an attempt to try to interpret what the scripture is telling us. What is the author trying to communicate? What is the context that the author is writing in (make use of Bible study tools). What else do we know about the book, author, and recipient? What other passages might help us to interpret what we are reading? Have we made any assumptions that are right or wrong? Don’t try to twist the message to mean something that it doesn’t. Try to find the simplest and clearest interpretation of the scripture. Use other scripture to look at parallel or contrasting word meanings. Make sure to view this scripture through the lens of the Gospel. What is this passage saying?

Wednesday - Mark 1

Thursday - Mark 2

Application:We have taken the time to observe and interpret these passages over the last several days. Now it’s time to figure out what it means for us now! We don’t simply read scripture to gain more knowledge, but to learn how we should live our lives in light of the things that God has illuminated to us. Take time to think back through the 5 W’s that we looked at earlier and now ask them in light of how you should apply this passage to your life. This might take asking some honest questions and really wrestling with the truth of scripture. What do you need to do in order to receive this text correctly?

Friday - Mark 1

Saturday - Mark 2

Sunday - Come to church!

NOTES:

8

9

COMMUNITY GROWTH GUIDEWEEK 1 | MARCH 1, 2020

BIG IDEA: God uses people that others tend to reject.

BELONGJust as the disciples were called, you have been called to follow Jesus! Where will you go? Why to the ends of the earth of course! (Mark 3:13-15; 16:15, 20)

Begin the ‘Around the World’ game with the first person saying the name of any country, city, or town that can be found in a world atlas. Going around the room in a circle, the next person must say another country, city, or town name that begins with the last letter of the place just given. Each person has no more than 5 seconds, and no place can be repeated. For example - First person: London, Second Person: Niagara Falls, Third Person: Switzerland, and so on. Keep going around the circle for 5 minutes.

GROW• According to Mark 1:14-15 and Matthew 4:12-17, what happened before Christ came to Galilee?

What did He do upon reaching Galilee? How did these events fulfill prophecy? In what ways is this context important to understanding what happens next in scripture?

• Consider Mark 1:14-20, 2:13-17. How did Christ call His original disciples? How did Christ call you?

• Read Mark 1:16-20, 2:13-17, and 3:13-19 together. Who did Christ invite to follow Him? Does He invite ordinary people or only extraordinary people? Were the appointed apostles ordinary or extraordinary? Why? Do you consider yourself to be ordinary or extraordinary? Why?

• Consider Mark 1:16-20 and 2:13-17. What were his original disciples called to leave in order to follow Christ? What did they sacrifice? What have you had to leave in order to follow Him? Was this difficult for you? Why or not? Was it worth the sacrifice to follow Him? Why or why not?

• Looking at Mark 1:16-20 and 2:13-17. How did Christ’s original disciples respond to His call to follow Him? How does this give us an example as to how individuals should respond to His invitation? How have you responded to His invitation? In what ways has your response to His calling in your life fallen short of or met this calling?

REACHLook at Mark 3:13-19. What authority did Christ give the apostles? What were they tasked with doing? What should one expect in following Him? As a following of Christ, what authority to you have? What are you tasked with doing?

Going Deeper:Consider Mark 1:14-20, 2:13-17. Do you feel worthy of being called by Christ? Why or why not? Were the results of being called to follow Him what you expected? Why or why not?

10

MARK 2:1-12

It’s remarkable the distances that people in the Gospels went through to reach Jesus. I’ve never had a friend who was willing to break through a roof to get me what I needed. Maybe someone to bring me cold medicine or a coffee but it’s hard for me to imagine the kind of belief and faith that these friends exhibited. When they heard that Jesus was nearby, they did whatever they needed to do to get their friend the healing that he needed. Even to the point of destroying someone else’s roof.

So here’s where the rubber meets the road. What kind of faith are we capable of? Do we believe that Jesus is strong enough, powerful enough, and willing to rescue? What crazy measures are we willing to go through to see our friends and families touched by him? Is it worth wrecking a roof to see the people around us have a life changing encounter with the God of the universe? Let’s get off of the sidelines and get our shovels and rope ready!

Prayer:Pray this prayer each day this week as you delve into your time in the Word: Father, even the disciples that walked with Jesus needed to strengthen their faith. Jesus told them if their faith was only the size of a mustard seed, they could uproot trees and crumble mountains. Lord, I need more faith like the disciples. Increase my faith and make me a mover of mountains. Grow my belief in You alone so that I would be strong in the Lord and ready to battle against the doubts planted by the enemy. Lord, increase my faith! Amen!

Prayer adapted from Tamela Tuberville

BIG IDEA: Jesus deals with the problems in order to connect with the person.

THE HELPLESSWEEK 2 | MARCH 8, 2020

11



Monday - Mark 3

Tuesday - Mark 4


Wednesday - Mark 3

Thursday - Mark 4


Friday - Mark 3

Saturday - Mark 4


NOTES:

12

13


BIG IDEA: Jesus deals with the problems in order to connect with the person.

BackgroundIn this passage Mark describes a situation where Jesus’ reputation for miracles has started to grow and He has returned to the hometown of Peter, Andrew, James and John. In this setting, Jesus demonstrated His authority on earth to forgive sins by healing a paralytic brought to Him by four friends.

BELONG

1. What is something you don’t like about your life, but you’ve learned to live with?

2. What is something you have had to work at a long time to accomplish?

GROW

1. When the paralytic was lowered in front of Jesus, why do you think He didn’t heal him right away? Why did he talk about the man’s sins?

2. What do you think the paralytic felt after Jesus forgave His sins? How do you think he would have felt if Jesus forgave his sins, but didn’t heal him?

3. What does Mark 2:6-8 tell you about Jesus’ insight into our hearts?

4. Why was it important for the paralytic to take his pallet with him?

REACH

1. How can you show determined faith when it comes to brining resistant people to Christ?

2. Whom should you bring to Jesus daily in prayer?

3. How will you respond to Jesus if He “only” gives you new life and does not change a difficult situation you are in?

14

MARK 5:1-20

This won’t be a news flash at this point, but Jesus was constantly changing the lives of the people he encountered. When he encountered fishermen he called them. When he encountered the paralyzed, he healed them. When he encountered a demon possessed man, he rescued him. Mark 5 tells us that the man was so destructive and wretched because of his possession that everyone else had written him off. They didn’t bother with him anymore. He lived in a graveyard.

But Jesus saw a man in need of rescue. He spoke life. He spoke truth. He moved and changed the man’s life. When we are written off and in our darkest places, Jesus looks at us and sees more. When we don’t have anything left to offer, Jesus gives us hope. When we think we are long gone. Jesus says there is a path out. Where do you need Jesus to speak this week? Ask Him and watch the pain, issues, and emptiness begin to flee.

Prayer:Pray this prayer each day as you begin to open your time in the word.

Father,You are Good. And when you made people in your image you said we were, “Very Good.” Lord, I want to have the faith of Jesus Himself. He said that nothing is impossible to those who believe. I want to be in the faith category, seeing opportunities for miracles in every challenge, seeing your great ability superimposed over every hopeless situation. Father, your Word says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Today I will listen to your Word. I open up my ears and my eyes to your Truth. Lead me and guide me as I seek to strengthen my faith to the place where I am unmoved, unimpressed, and underwhelmed by anything and everything but You!

Amen!

Prayer Adapted from Mark Herringshaw

BIG IDEA: Whenever Satan wants to remind you of your past, remind him of his future.

THE HOPELESSWEEK 3 | MARCH 15, 2020

15



Monday - Mark 5

Tuesday - Mark 6


Wednesday - Mark 5

Thursday - Mark 6


Friday - Mark 5

Saturday - Mark 6


16

NOTES:

17


BIG IDEA: Whenever Satan wants to remind you of your past, remind him of his future.

BELONG

1. Who comes to mind when you think of redemption stories…where someone changed their path and made a strong recovery after difficult beginnings? Do you have any examples that you can reference in your own life or the lives of others in your personal circle?

2. Are there any events from your past that you regularly feel guilt over? What is it about these events that make them difficult to put behind you?

GROW

1. In Mark 5:1-20, we read about Jesus’ interaction with a demon-possessed man. Have your group turn to Mark 5 and read the story together. What kind of past does this man have (verses 1-5), and how was he viewed by others who knew him? Do you think those who knew of this man expected him to change for the better? Do you think that people spent much time trying to connect with this may or reach out to him?

2. When the people from the surrounding area came to see what had happened and saw the man in his right mind (in verse 15), they were afraid. Why do you think the calmness of this man caused fear in these people’s minds & hearts rather than rejoicing & celebration on his behalf? Do you think they were eager to give this man a second chance, or did they still view him according to his past actions?

3. Not only did these people fear the man, but they also begged Jesus to leave the area (verse 17). Why did these people want to get rid of Jesus as well, even though Jesus had greatly helped this man? What was it about Jesus’ healing act that resulted in a negative reaction from the surrounding people?

4. Were they upset that the pigs were killed, costing the town financially? Were they confused/upset with the change in the man and the upheaval of their preconceived notions about this man?

REACH1. What areas from your past do you need to put behind you, praising God for how much

He has done for you, and not allowing these things to have a negative hold on you?

2. Are there any people in your life whom you still view according to past mistakes that they have made? Who do you need to forgive for past wrongs?

18

MARK 6:30-44; 8 :1-9

When Jesus feeds the crowds, we see the miraculous. Not only does he multiply food, but he mul-tiplies the faith and trust of his disciples. Can you imagine starting with such little and Jesus con-tinuing to multiply it to the point that its overflowing? These miracles must have been amazing to behold. I think it must have also been amazing to be the disciples in those moments. To go from asking Jesus to send the people away to seeing him pour an overabundance on them was nothing short of miraculous.

The disciples learned that Jesus was capable of taking small things and making them massive. A little faith can move a mountain and a few loaves and fishes could feed thousands. The challenge for us is to envision what God wants to multiply through us. What is the little bit that you are holding in your hand, trusting God to multiply? It could be your story, your time, your talent, or your treasures. Hand them over and watch God multiply them to change the lives of those around you. In the pro-cess, he’ll teach you what faith can truly accomplish.

Prayer:Each day pray this prayer as you dig into your time with God.

Dear Lord,You Who multiplied the loaves and fish offered by a young boy to feed thousands,Multiply my humble and meager offerings to feed others according to Your Will.You Who turns what we see as little into what Heaven sees as much,Help me to see the value of the little things I can do to serve and love as You taught us to do.You Who Measures not as we measure, and thus can multiply beyond our estimations,Transcend my small efforts into large impacts,Guide me to see and appreciate Your many blessings even as I seek to be Your tool for helping others.This I ask to serve Your Greater Glory, while I seek to always be Your toolin serving and loving others, Amen.

Prayer by Gabriel Garnica

BIG IDEA: A little in my hand is plenty for Jesus to multiply.

THE CROWDSWEEK 4 | MARCH 22, 2020

19



Monday - Mark 7

Tuesday - Mark 8

Interpretation:For the next two days we will be reading the same passages again but with an attempt to try to interpret what the scripture is telling us. What is the author trying to communicate? What is the context that the author is writing in (make use of Bible study tools). What else do we know about the book, author, and recipient? What other passages might help us to interpret what we are reading? Have we made any as-sumptions that are right or wrong? Don’t try to twist the message to mean something that it doesn’t. Try to find the simplest and clearest interpretation of the scripture. Use other scripture to look at parallel or contrasting word meanings. Make sure to view this scripture through the lens of the Gospel. What is this passage saying?

Wednesday - Mark 7

Thursday - Mark 8


Friday - Mark 7

Saturday - Mark 8


20

NOTES:

21


BIG IDEA: A little in my hand is plenty for Jesus to multiply.

BELONG

1. Would you rather go for a drive in the country or go for a drive to a large city? Why?

2. Would you rather only be allowed to eat fish or only be allowed to eat bread? Why?

3. Would you rather be sent to someone with a message or have someone sent to you with a message? Why?

GROW

1. Whereas Herod’s self-promoting feast for his elites led to the death of a prophet (John the Baptist in Mark 6:14-29), Jesus, Israel’s true Shepherd, teaches the crowds and provides for them. Read Mark 6:30-44 aloud as a group.

2. Evening meals often began slightly before or around sunset and typically people would want to be safely home before sunset. Why do you think so many people were willing to be out in the dark, knowing they did not have enough food with them?

3. In verse 34 it says, “he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So, he began teaching them many things.” Has there been anything specific that has grown your faith during this 7-week study so far? Have you been able to share something that sparked your heart with someone you might not have previously thought about sharing with? Perhaps you could make a point of doing so this week? If you did have that urging, did you act on it?

4. Jesus’ answer to the disciples question certainly caught them off guard! (Mark 6:37) One denarius would have been a typical day’s wage and feeding a group of this size would have cost around 200 denarii. Couple this with the fact that the nearest neighboring towns of Capernaum and Bethsaida had somewhere around only 2,000-3,000 people each and you will soon see that Jesus was calling the disciples to do what they could not do with what they did not have apart from Him. What types of things may He be calling you to do? Are you trying to do these things on your own?

5. In verse 39, the fact that Jesus directed them to sit in groups on the green grass has significance too, as it clues us in to the time of year. Read John 6:1-4 aloud as a group. What time of year was it? When does the “Jewish Passover Feast” take place? (digging deeper, see Ex. 12 and Deut. 16:16 on your own)

REACH

1. In verse 41, Jesus looked up towards heaven and gave thanks before breaking the loaves and giving them to the disciples. What specific things are you thankful to God for? Spend the next 5-10 minutes praising Him for the things He has multiplied in your lives.

2. Did you know that only two of Jesus’ miracles are mentioned in all four of the gospels? Feeding the 5,000 (Matt 14:15-21; Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:6-13) and Jesus’ empty tomb/resurrection (Matt. 28:5-8; Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24:1-8; John 20:1). Who will you intentionally share Jesus Christ’s Good News with this week? Who will you invite to one of our Easter services? How can we encourage each other to follow through?

22

MARK 10:17-31

The story of the rich young ruler is one of the saddest in scripture. This young man encountered Jesus and walked away with sorrow in his heart. Sometimes it can be tempting to think that we can do enough or follow enough rules and that will be enough to look good enough to God. We can fool others, but Jesus sees straight to our heart. Jesus told the rich young man that he was doing a lot of things right but he still lacked. He was unwilling to count the cost even if he put up a really good front to those around him.

In our culture we can be tempted to think that our actions or words can be enough. We can put on the right front and say the right words, but it’s by grace that we are saved and it’s through Jesus that we truly learn what it means to count the cost and follow him. So will you count the cost with me? Let’s be people who ruthlessly eliminate our lack and follow Christ fully with all of heart, mind, soul, and strength.


Dear Father, Jesus’ words have a way of piercing our hearts and defenses we have built up against you and doing things your way. Make us tender-hearted. Gently expose the reservations of our hearts, as you did for that wealthy young man those many centuries ago. But give us grace to be able to obey you, the Great Physician, who alone can heal our corrupt and deceitful hearts, and make us whole. Forgive us, O Lord, for clinging to the remnants of a life independent of you, and make us wholly yours. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer by Ralph F. Wilson

BIG IDEA: Soft hearts grow harder when Jesus isn’t recognized for who He truly is.

THE CULTURAL CHRISTIANWEEK 5 | MARCH 29, 2020

23



Monday - Mark 9

Tuesday - Mark 10


Wednesday - Mark 9

Thursday - Mark 10


Friday - Mark 9

Saturday - Mark 10


24

NOTES:

25


BIG IDEA: Soft hearts grow harder when Jesus isn’t recognized for who He truly is.

BELONGPick one and discuss briefly as a group.1. Has anyone here ever received an email, text message or phone call informing you that someone you have never

met, and who happens to live in another country, desires to give something of significant value to you? How do you typically respond to those messages or phone calls? Have you ever wished their gift was genuine?

2. What types of possessions are common among those of us living in and around the greater Kalamazoo area? Do you think most people living in small villages in Zambia or the rural areas of Ukraine have these things too? If you own a cell phone, would you be willing to give it to someone else right now as a gift, knowing you would not get it back? Why or why not?

GROW1. While many religious leaders may have seen wealth as a positive sign of God’s approval, Jesus contradicted such ideas

by teaching that wealth can be a barrier, keeping people out of the kingdom of God. Read Mark 10:17-31 aloud as a group.2. In this passage, Jesus challenged the man for calling Him ‘good.’ Why do you think Jesus focused on this before beginning to

answer the man’s question? Why do you think Jesus only mentions some of the commandments and not all of them?3. After the man tells Jesus he has kept these commandments since his youth, Jesus commands him to 1) sell all he

has, 2) give the money to the poor, 3) come, follow me. (Jewish culture holds a boy becomes a man, and as such is accountable for his behavior, around 13 years of age; Paul made similar claims about himself in Phil. 3:6.) Do you think we must sell everything we have and give it to the poor before we can follow Christ? Why or why not?

4. We know that the man went away sad because he had great wealth (10:22), revealing the true condition of his heart. Perhaps he left in search of a second, more accommodating, opinion. Have you ever sought a second opinion when challenged about something by another brother or sister in Christ? Or after reading a convicting passage in Scripture? Do you ever spend time in prayer asking God about the matter?

5. In verse 24, why do you think Jesus referred to the disciples as children? How in-depth of a concept of the value of money do you think most children have? How much do you think children depend on their parents’ provision?

6. Have each person reread verses 26-27 on their own, then assign each of the following passages to be read aloud, Deut. 8:17-18; Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5-8.

7. Jesus perceived that the rich man’s problem was not that he owned many possessions, but that he cared more about them than he did about doing God’s will. Spend the next 5-7 minutes in silent prayer asking God to reveal to you anything you may be holding too tightly. Reflect upon the ways God has been a good Father, a generous Provider, and a merciful Savior. Praise Him for His lavish love!

REACH1. What material things that provide you security in this life are you willing to

give so that you may enter a new quality of life under God’s rule?2. How are you going to look for opportunities this week to bless someone else?3. Who might you invite to one of our Easter services?

Dwight Lyman Moody - “I would rather have some poor soul, that I have won from this dark world to Christ, come and weep over my grave when I am

gone, than to have a monument of pure gold reaching from earth to skies.”

26

MARK 10:46-52

Bartimaeus provides us with an incredible reminder throughout this passage. While Jesus saw many different people and had compassion on them, not everyone asked for the miracle that they needed. Bartimaeus was bold enough to stand before Jesus and ask him to see. How often do we refuse to do something because of our fear or timidity? We are reminded throughout scripture that if we have a need, we should ask!

What keeps us from breakthrough? When we encounter Jesus for all that he is, we realize that all we have to do is ask for what we need. It might not always look the way we thought it would, but we can trust that we have a savior who hears out requests and works on our behalf. The challenge this week is to not let your fear keep you from seeing God work in amazing ways.


Dear Lord,

Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. I hear people say, “God’s got this!” But how often do I live like I believe it?

I know you hear me, Lord, when I bring my concerns to you. You care about what is going on in my life, and I know you want to give me a clear, sound mind. Forgive me when I allow anxious thoughts to cloud my thinking. Help me take my anxieties to you in every circumstance, believing you will intervene and work out your eternal purposes. Give me a thankful heart—a heart that says, “I am grateful for your lovingkindness to me, Father. I know you will work out your plans for my growth, others’ good, and your glory.” Amen.

Prayer by Dawn Wilson

BIG IDEA: Your biggest regret at the end of your life won’t be the things you did, but the things you wish you had done.

WEEK 6 | APR I L 5, 2020

THE BLIND

27



Monday - Mark 11

Tuesday - Mark 12


Wednesday - Mark 11

Thursday - Mark 12


Friday - Mark 11

Saturday - Mark 12


28

NOTES:

29

COMMUNITY GROWTH GUIDEWEEK 6 | APR I L 5, 2020

BIG IDEA: Your biggest regret at the end of your life won’t be the things you did, but the things you wish you had done.

BELONGPick one and discuss briefly as a group.1. You will need a pencil/pen and a half sheet of paper for each member of the group. Close your eyes and write your full name,

date of birth and favorite dessert on your paper. (Leaders may choose to collect these for future reference if they are legible!) How difficult/easy was it to do this activity? Who would like to share what their favorite dessert is?

2. Divide up into pairs, as much as you can, with one person in each pair having shoes with laces. The person with laced shoes sits in a chair, the other kneels at their feet with eyes closed. The kneeling person must find and place the correct shoe on the foot of the person sitting in the chair and tie them. How difficult/easy was it to do this activity? How comfortable were you having someone else put your shoes on you?

GROW1. While some of the disciples may have seen Jesus as a Messiah who would bring them mastery and glory; Bartimaeus saw him

as the Son of David who brings him healing and sight. Read Mark 10:46-52 aloud.

2. Put yourself in Bartimaeus’ shoes, just for a moment. Imagine sitting on the ground next to a dirt road while a crowd of people walked past you. You cannot see, but you can taste the dust their feet are kicking up. You know this group is larger than most and overhearing bits of their conversations, you learn why—Jesus of Nazareth is somewhere in this massive crowd! How loud do you think Bartimaeus was willing to get to be heard?

3. We know many in the crowd did hear him because this passage tells us many rebuked him and told him to be silent. How do you think Bartimaeus may have felt when so many people were rebuking him, instead of helping him get Jesus’ attention? Have you ever felt rebuked by others when you were asking for help? Have you ever rebuked someone else who may have been asking for your help?

4. In verse 49, did the crowd’s response change when Jesus acknowledged the man? Do you ever treat someone differently because you think they may or may not be a Christian? If so, why? Have you ever experienced someone treating you differently once they learned about your faith? If so, did this change in their behavior or choice of words feel genuine to you?

5. Jesus’ question to Bartimaeus (Mark 10:51) might seem obvious, but this question makes perfect sense in context. What did the Pharisees want? (Mark 10:2) The rich man? (Mark 10:17) James and John? (Mark 10:35-36) What do you think a blind beggar might want? What did Bartimaeus want? (Mark 10:51)

6. Each person will need a piece of paper and a pen/pencil/crayon. Please write the question, “What do you want Me to do for you?” at the top of your paper. Spend the next 5-10 minutes quietly reflecting on this question and write down or draw anything that comes to mind; single words, pictures, sentences, questions or paragraphs. Do not judge or filter this content, just let it flow. Do you notice any themes in the things you wrote or drew? Do you believe God can do these things?

7. Why do you think Jesus granted the requests of the blind men and not the requests of James and John, who were two of His disciples?

REACH1. Each day you must choose. Are you going to sit on the side of the road quietly watching others pass you by? Are you

going to be a part of the crowd that rebukes those who are weaker? Are you going to help someone, even if it interrupts your day or might mean getting your hands dirty?

2. We all desire to feel loved, safe and significant. Reflect on the things you wrote/drew to the question earlier and look for ways you may be able to do one of these things for someone else this week.

3. Is there someone you can pray for and send an encouraging note to? Is there someone you could get to know better over a cup of coffee/tea? Is there someone you might invite to one of our Easter services?

30

MARK 16:1-11

Think about it: have you ever prayed something and it didn’t come to pass? If you are human, the answer is probably yes. So many times we have expectations of Jesus, but we forget that Jesus was on this earth to fix the problems of sin and death. This isn’t to say that he doesn’t care about our issues. He does! But he was so concerned with bringing restoration to mankind that he came to the earth to live a life that we couldn’t life, die a death that we deserved, and rose again to defeat sin and death for good.

We often live a lifestyle that is focused on the Friday night - focused on our problems and issues and brokenness when Jesus is inviting us to celebrate the Sunday morning - our sins, fears, and brokenness being trampled by his magnificent resurrection. Jesus emerged from the grave with the victory over the biggest issues we can face. And he is inviting us into victory with him! Let’s take hold together!


Exalted and resurrected Jesus, we join the Apostle Peter’s bold declaration of living hope and great joy. For you have risen from the dead, and this good news changes everything. Because of your resurrection, we’re neither afraid to die, or to live; we’re not hapless vaga-bonds on earth, we’re hope-filled children of God. We’re no longer enslaved to our sins; we’re now wrapped in your righteousness. Those who’ve “gone to sleep” in you, aren’t slumbering in the void; they’re rejoicing in your presence. Hallelujah! Because of your resurrection, we’re less to be pitied than anybody, and more to be grateful than everybody (1 Cor. 15:14-19). You are the firstfruits and guarantee of a whole new order—the “new creation” dominion of redemption and restoration. Everything sad will come untrue, and all things broken will be made new. How we long for that Day! Because of your resurrection, you are already reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords. All evil dominions, wicked authorities, and malevolent powers now stand defeated, and one Day they will be fully eradicated. Hallelujah, many times over! Jesus, your death is the death of death, and your resurrection is the resurrection of all things. You died for our sins and have been raised for our justification. Oh, the wonder, marvel and grati-tude that fills our hearts today. We are forgiven, we are beloved, and we are yours! In light of this living hope and compelling love, this measureless grace and eternal inheri-tance, free us for spending the rest of our days living and loving to your glory. So very Amen we pray, Jesus, in your resurrected and reigning name.

Prayer by Scotty Smith

BIG IDEA: Jesus did not come to fix our problems, but to provide us peace when confronted with the ultimate problem of sin and death.

WEEK 7 | APR I L 12, 2020

SIN & DEATH

31

Reading Plan:Follow the steps below as we work our way through the rest of Mark this week:

Observation - Write down all of the facts found in this passage. You should be able to write down a bunch of observations. Start with simple thoughts and then write down bigger and more broad observations about the passage.

Principles - Next, draw out some principles from the observations that you made. What is God teaching his people through this passage? What are guiding principles that God might want to teach readers as they take in the words of this passage? What is God trying to teach you?

Application - How will you apply these principles to your life? Be as specific as you can. What will you do today to make these principles and lessons stick?

Monday – Mark 13

Tuesday – Mark 14:1-21

Wednesday – Mark 14:22-72

Thursday – Mark 15:1-32

Friday – Mark 15:33-47

Saturday – Mark 16

Sunday – Catch up and reflect.

32

NOTES:

33

COMMUNITY GROWTH GUIDEWEEK 7 | APR I L 12, 2020

BIG IDEA: Jesus did not come to fix our problems, but to provide us peace when confronted with the ultimate problem of sin and death.

If you meet this week, take time to simply do the following activity as a community group:

Split into three groups. Assign one of these passages to each group: Mark 14:22-25; Mark 15:33-39; Mark 16:1-11

Have each group use the following format to study their passage:




Have each group give a summary of each step in their discovery of the passage. What were the main observations, interpretations, and applications that you discovered from your time studying?

marked growth guides...week 5 marked: the cultural christian [page 22] week 6 marked: the blind...

Documents