Mark 10:35-45
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This is the ninth sermon in our series on the gospel of Mark.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: Who could you tell of the significance of Jesus in your life this week?
WARM-UP
- Has your view of Jesus changed or grown in any way during this series?
- Has the generous serving of Christians at any time shaped your view of Christianity?
READ Mark 10:32-39
- Can you identify (in Mark) the three predictions by Jesus of his impending death and resurrection?
- How do the predictions differ? What are the various ways in which the disciples respond?
- What do you think stopped the disciples from understanding what Jesus had been telling them?
- What do you think can stop you from clearly understanding - and being onboard with - God’s agenda?
- In the eyes of Australian culture, what makes for ‘greatness’? Can we ever be caught up in this?
- What helps us shift from an ‘egocentric’ (self-centred) to a ‘theocentric’ (God-centred) way of shaping our lives? Can you think of any specific example in your life that has required such a shift? Is there anything in your life right now that requires such a shift?
- What were James and John asking of Jesus? How did this not fit with Jesus’ Kingdom agenda?
- Do you think you can ever have ‘competing agendas’ with God? What is the antidote?
- What were the ‘cup’ and ‘baptism’ that Jesus spoke about?
READ Mark 10:40-45
- What was the reaction of the other disciples when they had heard about James and John’s request of Jesus? Why were they so annoyed?
- How did some of the leaders of the time treat the people? How do we see abuses of power in leadership in our world today?
- What is the distinctive way in which Jesus calls the disciples to behave? Can you think of an example of what this would look like on one of your frontlines (e.g., your workplace, school, or uni)?
- What does true greatness - in the eyes of Jesus - look like? What could possibly power and incentivise us to live in such a radical, costly, and counter-cultural way?
- What does it mean that Jesus would give his life as a ‘ransom’? Who are the ‘many’?
- Why was it necessary for Jesus to die as a ransom? What was the cost? What did it achieve?
APPLY: 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)
Prayer
Redeeming Lord, thank you that Jesus would willing die for us as a ransom to redeem us from slavery to sin and death. Please help us to use this freedom - bought for us at great cost - to serve your Kingdom’s agenda above our own. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: Have you ever thought about the culture on your frontline? How can you intentionally shape it and mould it to reflect Jesus’ forgiveness, patience, love, mercy, compassion, and hope?
For Families: Download some of the family resources to use at home
Listen and Watch:
- AUDIO: “Servant Leadership” by Dick Lucas
- AUDIO: “The Meaning of His Death” by Tim Keller
- AUDIO: Mark 10 (from a previous series): “Who then can be saved?”
Series Resources:
