CONNECT: How does knowing the cost and source of your redemption shape the agenda of your life? (This week, try to focus on one practical outworking of this)?

WARM-UP

1. Do you ever think of Jesus as judge? Why is this a cause of great assurance for both justice and forgiveness?

READ Mark 12:1-8

1. When you first hear/read this parable, what most stands out for you?
2. Why did the owner send messengers to the tenant farmers? Why was the owner entitled to collect “some of the fruit from the vineyard”?
3. Who do the characters (the messengers and the son) in the parable represent? How is the response of the tenant farmers similar to the way that God’s people treated some of the prophets?
4. How is the response of the tenant farmers similar to how Jesus had been received?
5. Do you think that you can ever struggle with God being in charge? Can you think of any specific areas of your life in which you particularly find that a challenge?

READ Mark 12:9-17

1. When you hear the response of the tenants - both to the messengers and the son - how does that make you feel? In the context of the parable, why is the response of the owner what we expect?  
2. Do you think that we are instilled with a yearning for justice? Why or why not?
3. In what ways does our sense of justice get distorted? (Try to think of some everyday examples.)
4. Why do we need God to be the ultimate judge? What qualifies God to be the judge?
5. How is Jesus described in verse 10? What is meant by the cornerstone being rejected?
6. What does the parable suggest are the consequences for rejecting God and asserting our own right to rule? Even though sinful, how does Jesus enable us to face judgment with confidence?
7. What are the possible answers that Jesus could give? Why would both lead to trouble?
8. What does Jesus mean by, “give back to God what is God’s”?  What does that look like in your life?
9. Whose image do we bear? What’s the implication therefore of what we are to give God?

APPLY:  In light of God being the true owner (and judge) of our lives, how might that shape one aspect of your week this week?

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On Your Frontline This Week: How does being a follower of Jesus change how you care about truth and justice? Whatever your frontline, do you see how God can use you as a mouthpiece for truth and justice?

For Families: Download some of the family resources to use at home

Listen and Watch:          

• AUDIO: “Civil Disobedience” by Dick Lucas
• AUDIO: “Last not Least” by Rico Tice
• AUDIO: “Consequences for Rejecting Jesus” by William Taylor

Series Resources:

• RESOURCES: The Gospel of Mark (Video Overviews and More)
• RESOURCES: Gospel Coalition Mark Courses
• VIDEO: The Bible Project Mark Overview
• VIDEO/AUDIO: iTunes U, Introduction to the Gospel of Mark
• VIDEO: Training on the Purpose of Mark

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