We continue our study of the Gospel of Mark as a church as we examine the life of Jesus and his invitation for us to follow His example. The goal is not to gain an academic understanding of this gospel, but to be transformed by the Jesus we see here. May these discussion questions help you dig into the truth found in this passage and may it have a deep and lasting impact on your life.
What comes to mind when you think about authority?
Are you a person who naturally respects authority, or someone who resists authority?
Can you think of a time when you have seen authority abused?
What about a time when you have seen authority stewarded well?
Read Mark 1:12-28 and look for the authority of Jesus on display.
Authority in Temptation (1:12-13)
Authority in Preaching (1:14-15)
Authority in Calling (1:16-20)
Authority in Healing (1:21-28)
Does anything jump out to you in these quick snapshots into the life of Jesus?
Jesus is driven out to the wilderness, a place devoid of life and sustenance where He is completely dependent on God.
How have you experienced God in the wilderness seasons of your life?
How does the temptation of Jesus encourage you?
Mark presents Jesus as one who has come to make all things right and he is shown doing what Adam didn’t do in the first garden. Our “adversary” (Satan) has a one-dimensional strategy that has been at the core of temptation ever since the garden.
What is it?
Why do you think it is so effective for Satan to cause us to doubt the goodness of God?
Jesus speaks for the first time (v. 15) and clearly states the simplicity of the gospel, “repent and believe.”
How are you tempted to make the gospel more complex than this?
Jesus breaks from social norms when He initiates by calling His disciples.
How have you experienced God’s initiation and pursuit of you?
Jesus teaches and casts out a demon, which causes people to be astonished and amazed at the authority of Jesus.
Do you find yourself resisting or resting in the authority of Jesus?
The authority of Jesus invites us, not to just commit to him, but to surrender.
What is the difference between these two?
How can surrendering to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him be freeing?
