MARK 10:1-12

1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. 2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" 3 "What did Moses command you?" he replied. 4 They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." 5 "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. 6 "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 7 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." 10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits

adultery." NIV 84

LESSON NOTES

Divorce is what Moses allowed; but not what God designed. Jesus distinguishes between what Moses allowed due to our hard hearts and what God originally designed in the garden.

God's pre-fall plan for marriage establishes three distinct truths: it is a relationship between a man and a woman, it functions as the strongest relationship, and it is a sacred union formed by God Himself.

We are called to live out God’s pre-fall plan for marriage in a post-fall world. The beauty and difficulty of marriage is that "two become one" in a broken world where sinners get married.

While Jewish cultural debates focused strictly on the external, legal reasons for writing a certificate of divorce, Jesus exposes the root internal issue: hard hearts.

Living out God's original intent for marriage in a post-fall world cannot be achieved through trying harder or loving better; it requires our hard hearts to be broken and compelled by the love of Christ.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1 Of the three characteristics of God's pre-fall plan for marriage - which one challenges you or encourages you the most right now and why?

2 A marriage counselor cited in the sermon advises couples to regularly say, "Remember who brought us together." How does shifting your perspective to view your marriage as a divine union change how you handle daily conflicts?

3 "Two become one" was described as both beautiful and difficult. What has been one of the hardest and one of the most beautiful parts of becoming one with your spouse?

4 Read 2 Corinthians 5:14 ("one died for all"). How does deeply internalizing the reality that Christ died for your spouse's shortcomings—just as He died for yours—transform the way you extend grace during difficult seasons?

COLOSSIANS 3:12-17

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Icebreaker - what stories from Croatia stood out to you?

2. In Colossians 3, verses 12-14 have a strong emphasis on our relationships with others. Jeremy shared about how impactful it was for everyone involved as the students built friendships with their Croatian and Ukrainian brothers and sisters, and encouraged us all to build friendships with others. 

3. Verses 15-17 emphasize the impact of the message of Jesus, and we were encouraged to talk to others about what Jesus is doing in our lives.

MARK 9:49-50

49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other." NIV 84

LESSON NOTES

"Everyone will be salted with fire" (v. 49) isn't a threat about hell — it's an honest statement about a broken world. Trouble touches every person regardless of wealth, faith, or character. Jesus doesn't promise His disciples an exemption from pain; He promises to be with them in it.

The phrase "salted with fire" echoes the Old Testament practice of adding salt to sacrifices to purify them (Leviticus 2:13). Jesus invites His disciples to see their trials the same way — not as pointless, but as a purifying process that can produce perseverance, endurance, and Christlike character.

Salt itself doesn't naturally lose its saltiness — but salt mined in Palestine was often mixed with gypsum, making it useless. Jesus uses this image to warn against a discipleship that has been mixed with something else. 

Being "in the world but not of it" means disciples still live fully in the world — but their loyalty belongs entirely to Christ, not split between Him and the world's values. Jesus said we cannot serve two masters; salt that's mixed with impurity is useless.

In the ancient Middle East, sharing a salted meal was a sign of friendship and covenant. Coming right after the disciples argued over who was greatest, Jesus' command to "share salt" is a call to unity. Few things damage the church's witness more than believers fighting each other.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Icebreaker - what are your top three favorite spices/seasonings? What food item is it essential for you to add salt?   

2. Looking back at a past trial, what specific character traits (such as endurance, compassion, or reliance) did God produce in you that could only have been formed through that fire?

3. "Saltless salt" comes from mixing pure salt with something impure until it can't be separated again. What are some subtle ways our devotion to Jesus gets "mixed" with other loyalties — money, comfort, approval, politics — without us noticing?

4. Jesus links our unity directly to our witness (John 13:34-35). Is there a relationship — where you need to "share salt" and pursue peace? What's one step you could take this week?

5. Of the three salt teachings - Salted with fire, Saltless salt, Share salt - Which one speaks most directly to your current season of life, and what is one practical step God may be asking you to take this week?

MARK 10:13-31

"[13] And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [15] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” [16] And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. [17] And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [18] And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. [19] You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” [20] And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” [21] And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” [22] Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. [23] And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” [24] And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! [25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” [26] And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” [27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” [28] Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” [29] Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, [30] who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. [31] But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” ESV

LESSON NOTES

Harvard University, California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, MIT, and Princeton University have some of the lowest college acceptance rates in our country (3-4%).

In many different fields, being outstanding seems to be the benchmark for entry (colleges, athletics, promotions, jobs). Within these realms, and others, personal achievements/accolades are the pathway to acceptance (Achievements = Acceptance)

Children are great examples of people who are helpless, defenseless, and needy. Unlike adults, children come with no pretense, no artificial or adopted behaviors to impress people. Children come empty handed and they know how to ask for help. And they don't just ask for help, they eagerly receive it. Because of this, Jesus uses these little ones as examples of how one should receive the Kingdom. In Jesus' words in verses 14-15, we see two realities about entering the kingdom of God: 1.) Entrance into the Kingdom of God is received. 2) Entrance into the Kingdom of God is for the child-like. These two realities complement one another because if we are not child-like then we will not receive.

In contrast to the child-like reception Jesus speaks about in verses 14-15, we see the rich man perceive eternal life as a matter of personal achievement. Within his conversation with Jesus, Jesus gives the man this command, "... go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (vs. 21) Going, selling, and giving were the means by which Jesus told this man to detach himself from his current master, his idol of possessions. These commands ultimately led to the ultimate command: "come, follow me". Yet, upon hearing this, the man walks away. From here we see a difficult truth: entrance into the Kingdom of God is not accepted by everyone.

In the disciples day, those who were rich were considered to be blessed by God. Since this was the dominating ideology, those who were rich were virtually guaranteed a place in the kingdom of God because their wealth was evidence of God’s blessing. This is why the disciples react so stunned after hearing Jesus' teachings in verses 23-26. They ask Jesus a sincere question ("Then who can be saved?") and Jesus responds with the perfect answer (“With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”) Jesus lovingly reminds His disciples that entrance into the kingdom of God is completely beyond the sphere of human possibility. What we can’t do in our humanity, God did in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

There is an ultimate connection between the child-likeness of verse 15 and the rich man of verse 22. This connection is seen in 3 aspects: Their records. Their responses. What they receive. 

1.) Record - Child-like: No Significant Record / Rich man: Significant Record

2.) Response - Child-like: Eager Reception / Rich man: Sorrowful Rejection

3.) Receive - Child-like: Salvation / Rich man: Separation

God restores Gospel goodbyes. When we leave good things and say goodbye to dear people for the sake of the Gospel, God does not leave us empty-handed. The God who is able “to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” does not overlook our goodbyes when they are rooted in the name of Jesus. Entrance into the Kingdom of God gives the children of God hope for what is to come. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. As you remember your process of choosing where to go to college, what were some of the schools you were considering? Why? Did you end up at your "dream school"?

2. In your life, what environments or settings do you feel the most tempted/feel the most pressure to relay your personal accomplishments or accolades? Why those environments?

3. Receiving is different than earning. Why is this difference such a big deal in our relationship with God? In your walk with God, do you find it difficult to receive rather than earn? If so, in what aspects is it the most difficult?

4. Have you had any experience with someone walking away/rejecting Jesus? If so, what was that like for you to experience? As you read about this man's decision, what do you notice about Jesus' reaction/response? Does his response capture your attention in any way?

5. Are there any difficult statements/teachings from Jesus that you have had to wrestle with in your walk with Him? If so, what did/does that process look like for you?

6. As you process through this connection between the childlikeness of verse 15 and the rich man of verse 22, what sticks out the most to you? What speaks most deeply to your heart?

7. Have you ever had to say a "gospel goodbye" to something or someone? If so, how difficult was that? How has God shown up since then?

MARK 9:42-48

42 "And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where 'there worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'"  NIV 84

LESSON NOTES

Take it seriously, not literally. Jesus' commands to cut off a hand or pluck out an eye are not literal instructions — no scholar reads them that way. But the graphic language is meant to shock us into taking sin, and the reality of hell, with the utmost seriousness.

Sin is never private. The Greek word used for "sin" in verse 42 is skandalizo — where we get the word "scandal." Our sin doesn't just affect our relationship with God; it ripples out and impacts our spouse, our kids, our friends, and our church. No one sins in a vacuum.

It's not the object, it's the effect. Your hand, foot, and eye aren't sinful — they're valuable. Jesus isn't asking us to reject something bad; He's asking us to be willing to reject something good if it's become the pathway to sin in our lives.

Hands, feet, and eyes represent real categories. Scholars connect these to what we do (activities), where we go (environment), and what we see (attention) — with relationships (who we're with) as a natural fourth category worth examining.

"Better" means far better. The word Jesus uses for "better" isn't a close call — it's not 60/40. Any temporary sacrifice on earth, however painful, is immensely preferable to the eternal reality of hell.

Radical amputation, not chipping away. Like Aron Ralston trapped under a boulder, we often try to chip away at what's holding us captive, hoping change will come without costing us much. Jesus calls for something more decisive — intentional, surgical removal of whatever is causing us to sin.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Icebreaker: What's something you've owned or held onto much longer than you should have because you couldn't bring yourself to let it go? (Keep it light—it could be an old phone, favorite t-shirt, first car, or even an unhealthy habit.)

2. William Barclay said: "To sin oneself is a terrible thing, but to teach another to sin is infinitely worse." Does thinking about sin in terms of "scandal" — as something that ripples out to affect others — change how you think about your own choices? How?

3. NT Wright points out that Jesus isn't asking us to give up something sinful, but something good that has become a cause of sin. Is there something good in your life right now — a hobby, a relationship, a habit — that has quietly become a source of temptation?

4. Scholars note that hands represent activities, feet represent environments, and eyes represent attention. Which of these three areas currently requires the most vigilant guard in your life when it comes to sin?

5. What is a specific "good thing" (e.g., technology, a relationship, a career path) that you may need to radically remove or alter because it is causing you to sin?

MARK 9:37-41

37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." 38 "Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." 39 "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." NIV 84

LESSON NOTES

The Irony of Exclusivity: John tries to stop an outsider from driving out demons in Jesus' name right after Jesus finishes teaching about welcoming little children, creating a double irony since the disciples themselves had previously failed at driving out a demon in that same chapter.

History Repeats Itself: This interaction mirrors Numbers 11, where Joshua asks Moses to stop two rogue elders from prophesying in the camp, prompting Moses' humble reply wishing that all of the Lord's people were prophets.

The "Party Spirit": In Galatians 5 (RSV), the "works of the flesh" include having a "party spirit," which does not mean liking social gatherings, but rather refers to creating factions, sectarianism, tribalism, and believing your specific group is superior to others.

Defining "In My Name": Acting in the name of Jesus is not simply doing what we want and asking Him to bless it; it means intentionally aligning our actions under His authority, in obedience to His will, and as a reflection of His character.

The Hula Hoop Analogy: Instead of drawing tiny theological circles (or "hoops") around our specific group and forcing others to jump through them, a kingdom mindset draws the circle entirely around King Jesus and welcomes whoever comes to Him.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Icebreaker: Do you have something in particular that you like to "sort" - a hobby like cards/coins, a chore like the pantry or garage? What is it and what makes it so satisfying to sort things into their "right" place?

2. John wanted to stop the unknown man simply "because he was not one of us." 

The sermon notes the difference between having a kingdom mindset and a party spirit. How would you describe the difference between the two and how have you dealt with this in your life?

3. Jesus states that "whoever is not against us is for us." How does this baseline boundary challenge the way we interact with other Christians?

4. How does the distinction between "doing what we want and asking Jesus to bless it" versus "acting under His authority, will, and character" change the way you think about doing something "in His name."?

5. Mark's version of the text notes that even giving a cup of room-temperature water in Jesus' name will not lose its reward. What is a seemingly insignificant act of service you can perform this week that becomes significant because it is done in His name?

James 5:16-18

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

SERMON NOTES

I. The Burden of Legacy

II. The Pitfall of Talent: Churchill vs. Eden

III. The Source of Power: Elijah vs. Elisha

IV. Taking Up the Mantle Today

 

Discussion Questions

Mark 9:33-37

33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” ESV

LESSON NOTES / DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

G.O.A.T = Greatest of all time. From athletics, to art, to music, to acting, and so much more, there are a lot of G.O.A.T debates that people engage in. With that, people use different arguments and examples to define true greatness. Our gauge for who or what is the “Greatest of all time” is based on how we see true greatness.

2.) What are some core tenants of greatness in an area of interest for you?

Mark 9:33-34. As Jesus and the disciples were on their way to Capernaum, the disciples got into a heated conversation around this topic: "Who among them was the true G.O.A.T?". Upon entering the house, Jesus asks the disciples this question, “What were you discussing on the way?” (vs. 33) The disciples' response? “But they kept silent…” (vs. 34). They didn’t say any words, but their silence still spoke. At the hearing of Jesus’ question, the disciples were embarrassed and afraid. They were embarrassed by their actions and they were afraid of being exposed. In our humanity, fear and embarrassment are barriers to honesty. Combined, fear and embarrassment produce shame. Yet, here's the gospel truth: We have nothing to hide because the cross of Jesus has already exposed us.

2.) What spaces and rhythms of vulnerability do you have in your life?

Mark 9:35. The world measures greatness by who's in first and who's in charge. Yet, as Jesus defines greatness, He flips greatness on its head. He even says this in Matthew 18:4 “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Humility admits that "I need Jesus and I need others" as we acknowledge and accept our own limitations. In our humility, we see the relational dynamic we are to share with those around us. This relational dynamic shows us that humility is a give and receive relationship between us and others. By walking in humility and service towards others and allowing ourselves to receive the humility and service of others, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus (Philippians 2:4-8)

2.) How has Jesus' upside down definition of greatness affected or challenged your work? Relationships?

Mark 9:36-37. Hospitality was a normal part of Jewish culture. In fact, it was expected. At the same time, another cultural norm was that children were extreme blessings. While children were, and still are, a tremendous blessing, they are still helpless, dependent, and small. In relation to social status, children did not rank very high. Yet, in Jesus' real life example of greatness, He uses a child to show what true greatness is. In an argument where the disciples were debating who’s the biggest, Jesus says that greatness is seen in who welcomes the smallest. In other words, to be great is to show hospitality to those who can do nothing for you.

2.) As you think about what it means to show hospitality (be both host and guest), what feelings or thoughts are invoked within you? Why?

"True Greatness". When discussing true greatness, Jesus highlights what true greatness is: To be great is to be honest (vs. 33-34). To be great is to be humble (vs. 35). To be great is to show hospitality to those who can do nothing for you. (vs. 36-37)

1.) As you think about "true greatness", which of these tenants of greatness most challenges you? Most encourages you?

Mark 9:13-29

14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” ESV

LESSON NOTES

Raphael's sixteenth-century oil painting brilliantly merges two contrasting biblical scenes into one canvas: the radiant Transfiguration at the top and a dark, chaotic struggle at the bottom. This artistic choice reflects our daily reality, where the "good" and the "hard" are often crammed into the very same portrait of life.

Faith requires recognizing that Jesus is both willing and able. While the leper in Mark 1 questioned Jesus's willingness ("if you are willing"), the father in Mark 9 questioned His ability ("if you can"). True reliance trusts both His infinite compassion to care and His absolute power to act.

Every single person at the base of the mountain—the disciples, the crowd, and the teachers of the law—was struggling with faith. The father of the boy was simply the only one honest enough to admit his unbelief out loud, showing that bringing our questions to God is a healthy, biblical practice.

Prayer and fasting are not transactional tools used to gain leverage or build personal holiness. Rather, they are relational practices designed to make us intentionally helpless, shifting our reliance away from our own understanding and entirely onto God.

"Helplessness, not holiness, is the way to access the presence of God." Timothy Keller

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Icebreaker: Have you ever had a "mountaintop moment"—a time when God felt especially close or life felt especially meaningful—followed immediately by a difficult challenge or disappointment? What was that experience like?

1. The father cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" Why do you think this prayer has resonated with Christians for centuries? What makes it so relatable?

2. Do you more often question God's willingness to help or His ability to help? Why do you think that is?

3. Prayer and fasting are relational rather than transactional. What is the difference between using spiritual disciplines to get something from God and using them to grow closer to God?

4. If faith is fundamentally reliance on Jesus, what is one practical area of your life this week where you need to rely less on yourself and more on Him?

Hebrews 1:1-3

1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. NIV 84

LESSON NOTES

A.W. Tozer famously wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

We know God because He chose to make Himself known. The Christian faith is built on divine revelation. God is not hiding from us; He is revealing Himself to us.

The beauty, complexity, and order of creation point beyond themselves to the One who made them. Creation cannot tell us everything about God, but it clearly testifies that there is a Creator behind the creation.

Creation gives us a wide-angle view of God. Scripture brings us closer. Jesus gives us the clearest possible picture. Hebrews says Jesus is “the exact representation of God's being.” If we want to know what God is like, we must look at Jesus.

The sermon builds toward the cross as God's fullest revelation of Himself. Creation reveals God's power. Scripture reveals God's voice. Jesus reveals God's character. The cross reveals God's heart.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What was the first thing that came to your mind when you heard the question, "What comes into your mind when you think about God?" What do you think that reveals about your relationship with Him?

2. What aspects of creation most powerfully point you toward the existence and greatness of God? Why do you think those things affect you so deeply?

3. God spoke "at many times and in various ways." Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself progressively throughout history rather than all at once? What does that teach us about His relationship with humanity?

4. The sermon emphasized that Jesus is the exact representation of God's being. What aspect of Jesus' life or ministry most helps you understand what God is really like?

5. The cross reveals God's heart. What specific truths about God do you see most clearly when you look at the crucifixion of Jesus?