Mark 3:20-30
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This is the second week in our series Questions Jesus Asked. This sermon is called "How Can Satan Drive out Satan?"
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect Spend time recalling and giving thanks for how Jesus has called you. Commit to praying for those on your frontlines to also respond to the call of Jesus and follow him.
Warm-Up
- C.S. Lewis famously said that Jesus must have been either mad, evil, or the Son of God. What do you think people make of Jesus today?
Read Mark 3:20-22
- Why do you think Jesus’ family thought that he was ‘out of his mind’? What did that mean?
- Who were the teachers of the law? What did they think about Jesus? (Especially considering what the reference to Beelzebul means.)
- How had the teachers of the law reached that conclusion? Why was that a convenient accusation?
- What would most of the people on your frontline (who are not yet Christians) know about Jesus? What misconceptions about Jesus can people have today?
- How do you think it is clear that Jesus is not only from God but also against all evil?
- In what way must everyone make up their mind about you they think Jesus is? What does it matter?
Read Mark 3:23-27
- With what parables does Jesus refute the accusation that he is doing the work of the enemy?
- Can you explain the ‘strong man’ parable? How does this illustrate that it is nonsense to suggest that Jesus is working on the side of evil?
- How does the parable not only show Jesus is not working for evil, but actually is the one who is greater?
- How is Jesus the ‘strong man’? How has Jesus defeated Satan and all evil? When will it be destroyed?
- How should this give us confidence about his ability to forgive and overcome evil?
- How should this remind us of how we should respond when we are confronted by evil?
Read Mark 3:28-30
- Has this verse ever caused you concern or confusion? What do you think is tricky about it?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting us of the truth of Jesus? If we reject that work, in what way does that also mean that we have rejected the salvation that Jesus brings?
- Why then is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit unforgiveable? (If you’re still having trouble understanding this, consider some explanations in your Study Bible or the quote over page.)
- What is one way that Jesus’ question (and answer) gives you hope to face each day?
Apply How can you rely on Jesus everyday in the face of evil in the world?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you that Jesus has defeated all evil and through him we are forgiven. Please help us to walk in step with the Spirit, trusting in Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline this Week
Who could you help, in the after effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred?
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (sermon): “The Call of Christ” by Tim Plyming:
https://www.allsouls.org/Groups/139869/L099_New_Year_Foundations.aspx - Listen (sermon): “Gospel Discipleship” by Dick Lucas
https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/1226/ - Listen (sermon): “I have a message from God to you” by Charlie Skrine:
https://www.allsouls.org/Groups/367494/B038_Introducing_Jesus.aspx - Listen (sermon): “The Call of God’s King” by Suresh Menon:
https://stebbes.org/sermons/the-call-of-gods-king/ - Watch (video): “Mark” overview by the Bible Project:
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/mark/
Series Resources
- Read (book): “Lent” by Esau McCaulley 📚
- Read (book): “Lent for Everyone (Mark)” by Tom Wright
- Read (children’s book): “The Friend and the Traveller” by Sam Brewster & Hannah Green 📚
- Read (devotional): Daily Lenten Devotional by Gospel in Life (Keller)
gospelinlife.com/devotional/lent/ - Pray (prayer guide): “For the Persecuted Church” by Open Doors
www.opendoors.org.au/get-involved/prayer/
📚 Available to borrow in the Church library
