CONNECT: What is one way that you can lovingly lose control more to God this week?

WARM-UP

1. Is there anything new that you’ve learnt about Jesus (or his life) in this series?
2. In Mark, what were the various claims about Jesus and responses to Jesus that people made?

READ Mark 15:27-36

1. What is the content of the insults and the taunting by those gathered near the cross?
2. Why did people think that Jesus’ crucifixion was incompatible with his claim to be the King
3. Why did Jesus chose not to save himself? How was his death saving for us?
4. Do you think they people would have really believed if they saw Jesus come down from the cross?
5. What was Jesus’ cry from the cross? What was he quoting? What did it mean?
6. What are the rhythms in your life that would cause you to thank Jesus for his willingness and commitment to save the world (including us!) no matter what the cost?

READ Mark 15:37-41

1. What was the significance of the Temple curtain being torn in two? How does Jesus’ death break open a way for us to have relationship with God forever?
2. Who did the centurion say that Jesus is? What does the title actually mean?
3. What the cause for centurion’s moment of clarity? Why is it so surprising that it was a centurion who was the first to rightly identify Jesus as the ‘Son of God’?
4. Has there ever been a point in your life in which you had a saving clarity about Jesus? Why can we never really understand who Jesus is without understanding and accepting his death on the cross?

READ Mark 16:1-8

1. What were the women expecting to find when they went to the tomb? Why were they going to anoint the body of Jesus?
2. Do you think it makes sense that the women were afraid when the messenger shared the Good News of the resurrection of Jesus? How might this response actually add to the authenticity of Mark’s Gospel?
3. Why is the resurrection so integral to Christianity? What type of resurrection is Mark claiming?
4. How is the resurrection important in your life and for your future?
5. Do you think people could know who is in charge of your life simply by watching?

APPLY:  Re-read Mark’s Gospel this week. How can you embrace Jesus more this week?

On Your Frontline This Week: Is work your primary frontline? You are welcome to join us next Wednesday 7 October 7AM-8AM at Catholic Care, to pray with other workers for our frontlines.

Listen and Watch:          

• AUDIO: “Mark 15:33-39, Surely this Man was the Son of God” by Dick Lucas
• AUDIO: “Recommissioned” by Dick Lucas
• ARTICLE: “Was Mark 16:9-20 Originally Part of Mark’s Gospel?”
• ARTICLE: “Jesus is Risen!”

Series Resources:

Commencing October 11, we’ll be starting a new series in the Letter to Ephesians, entitled, “Unsearchable Riches of Christ”. The best way to get started is to read through the letter to the Ephesians. The next best way is to consult the list of resources below:

• VIDEO: The Bible Project Ephesians Overview
• COMMENTARY: “Paul for Everyone, the Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
• COMMENTARY: “The Story of God Bible Commentary, Ephesians” by Mark Roberts
• RESOURCES: Gospel Coalition Ephesian Courses

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