Mars Hill

Mark 16:1-8

This significant episode in the life of Jesus demonstrates what it looks like to cooperate with the inbreaking of the kingdom of God. The woman does a beautiful thing and also embodies a beautiful way of being in the world as a faithful disciple.  

Mark 14:1-26

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Jesus cleanses the Temple from corrupt merchants and yet teaches them a new way to live. Jesus also calls himself the new and true Temple, inviting us to examine where our trust and true hope lie. 

Mark 11:1-11, 15-17; 13:1-31

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

In the final healing miracle in the book of Mark, we encounter a man named Bartimaeus. Many hold him up as a picture of a faithful disciple. This teaching invites us to imaginatively find ourselves in the story and listen for the compassionate voice of Jesus. 

Mark 10:46-52

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Mark 10:32-45

The Gospel of Mark takes a turn at the Transfiguration, and the hinge of the turning is the three teachings of Jesus about his impending death. It appears Jesus is looking to help the disciples prepare for and understand their own deaths, however, the death of self. 

Mark 10:32-45

Questions to consider—

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

The transfiguration of Jesus is a profound event of glory and yet a mystery. Let's get curious about all the beautiful and challenging implications of this text!

Mark 9:2-10

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

As the gospel of Mark progresses, the high expectations of the kingdom of God become more explicit. The story of this young man is the climax of these demands: everything must be submitted to the kingdom. And yet, as always, there remains good news alongside the challenge. 

Mark 10:17-31

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Jesus feeds 5,000 people, then 4,000 in a different region, expanding the scope of God's love for all people. The disciples struggle to get their minds around this. Jesus walks on water and calms the disciples while they are yet in the storm.

Mark 8:1-13

Questions to consider—

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Suzanne passionately walks through the three miracles performed by Jesus in Mark 5, highlighting the importance and specificity of each. These actions of Jesus put on display the unique power of God's kingdom that has come near. 

Mark 5:1-20

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?