Mark 1:12-13

12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

From the Lesson

"Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. They were nailed to crosses. They were doomed to the flames and burnt to serve as a nightly illumination. They were covered with the skins of beasts and torn by dogs until they perished.”

Tacitus in his book Annals

“In order to understand the temptations of Jesus, we have to understand that Jesus’ hair was still wet when he stepped out into the desert.”

Russell Moore in his book Tempted and Tried

It is impossible to overcome the burden of temptation without first receiving the blessing of baptism.

Two questions answered at Jesus' baptism:

1 Who are you? It's an identity question.

Jesus is embraced by the love of the Father. 

2 How do you? It's an ability question.

Jesus is empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit

You are embraced by the love of the Father and empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit in order to embark on the mission of Jesus. 

Discussion Questions

1 Who are you? Make a list of your top ten answers to this question. Do you tend to answer this question vocationally, relationally, politically?

2 We are sons and daughters of the Most High God. This must become who we are at the core of our identity. How does knowing this gospel truth as the core of your identity affect the way you live?

3 How do you? Read verse 12 again. It is the Holy Spirit who sends Jesus out into the desert. Jesus is empowered for his mission by the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to be empowered by the Holy Spirit? Do you have an example from your life?

4 It is impossible to overcome the burden of temptation without first receiving the blessing of baptism. How does knowing you are embraced by the Father and empowered by the Holy Spirit help you when it comes to temptation?

Psalm 34:1-9

1 I will bless the Lord at all times;

    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

    let the humble hear and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

    and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me

    and delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant,

    and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

    and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps

    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,

    for those who fear him have no lack!

From the Sermon

There are 2 types of "Magnified"

Psalm 34 invites us to do both - zoom in and see who God is, and worship him because of what you've seen and experienced.

Psalm 34 is written due to a real moment:

1 Samuel 21:10-15

How to Magnify God that you might Magnify God - Psalm 34:4-9

Psalm 8:1-4

Here we see how God's greatness causes the David to question God's interest in humanity. This makes Psalm 34:15 and 18 all the more impactful.

God is both:

Discussion Questions

Icebreaker:

What are some times you've "zoomed in" on something, or what is some media that you remember that explored the idea of there being beauty and complexity around us that's out of sight because we can't see it?

Mark 1:9-11

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." 

Discussion Questions

1. "Your mission, should you choose to accept it is..."

When you think of the word "mission", what words, phrases, or experiences come to your mind?

2. Jesus' baptism prepared and propelled Jesus to continue on His mission.

In our discussion together on Mark 1:9-11, we talked about how Jesus was prepared and propelled to continue on His mission. Did any of the following aspects stick out to you the most? If so, why?

-The target of the mission: Sinful humanity (verse 9)

-The anointing for the mission: Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus (verse 10)

-The identity within the mission: The voice of the Father (verse 11)

-The continuation of the mission: Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:18-20

3. Allegiance to Jesus binds us to the mission of Jesus.

As you think about the continuation of Jesus' mission in your life right now, in what ways have you carried it out well? In what way has it been a struggle for you?

29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted tot he right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." ' 36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and

the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:9-11

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.  53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." 

Lesson Notes

Special Days Website: daysoftheyear.com

Ascension Day: it is the 40th day of Easter. It is a Christian holiday that commemorates the belief of the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. This year it was on Thursday, May 29.

Book: The Ascension of Christ: Recovering a Neglected Doctrine by Patrick Schreiner.

Five Reasons Why The Ascension Has Been Neglected:

1 The Bible speaks little of it

2 It seems like a bad plan.

3 The implications are unclear.

4 The event is abnormal.

5 The resurrection subsumes the ascension.

Andrew Murray on the Ascension: “Faith has in its foundation four great cornerstones on which the building rests – the Divinity of Christ, the Incarnation, the Atonement on the Cross, and the Ascension to the Throne. The last one, the ascension, is the most wonderful, it is the crown of all the rest, it is the perfect revelation of what God has made Christ for us. And so, in the Christian life, it is the most important, for the ascension is the glorious fruit of all that goes before.” 

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever been part of a church that has emphasized the ascension of Jesus Christ? Have you ever been part of a class or read a book about it? Would you agree that the ascension of Jesus Christ is a neglected doctrine?

2. Five reasons were shared as to why the ascension might be considered a neglected doctrine. Which one of the reasons do you think might have the most to do with its neglect?

3. In your own words, why do you think it is important to properly emphasize the ascension?

4. Discuss Andrew Murray's quote about the ascension. Do you agree that the ascension should be considered as the most important cornerstone of our faith?

5. Read again the above seven verses from Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:9-11. What stands out to you from these verses about the ascension of Jesus Christ?

Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Discussion Questions

1.      What are the ways you see God shepherding in scripture?

2.      What are the ways you see God shepherding you and the world around you today?

3.      Who are the shepherds in your life? How do you interact with them?

4.      What has God entrusted to you to shepherd—people, resources, responsibilities?

5.      How does Jesus' model of laying down His life challenge or inspire your approach to leadership?

Mark 1:2-8

2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" - 3 "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" 4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." 

Discussion Questions

1 Who is someone in your life that helped prepare the way for you? (Spiritually, vocationally, relationally, etc.)

2 Humility before Jesus is vital in our allegiance to Jesus. In your current season of life, what situations, moments, or environments challenge your humility before Jesus and your submission to Jesus the most?

3 Until Jesus returns, we are the construction crew that is preparing the way for the King to enter into the city. Think about your areas of influence and impact. In what ways have you done a good job of preparing the way for Jesus to enter into the hearts and lives of those around you? Where are you/have you struggled?

4 "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30 In what ways does this verse speak most deeply to you in your season of life?

Mark 1:1

1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Lesson Notes

The Beginning of the Gospels:

Matthew - a genealogy

Mark - an announcement

Luke - a birth narrative

John - a theological statement

Three Aspects of Mark's Gospel:

1 It's a "not too late" gospel

2 It's a "do not wait" gospel

3 It's a "speak it straight" gospel

NT Wright on the Beginning of Mark's Gospel:

“It’s as if you are sound asleep and dreaming, when suddenly the door bursts open and a bright light shines full in your face. A voice, breaking in on your dream-world, shouts ‘Wake up! Get up! You’ll be late!” And without more ado, the speaker splashes your face with cold water to make the point. Time to stop dreaming and face the most important day of your life.”

Unique Features of Mark's Style of Writing:

It is written entirely in the present tense.

It is the shortest of the four gospels and most fast paced.

There is less teaching and more action in Mark’s gospel.

Mark asks a lot of questions - over 100 questions.

Mark uses the word - immediately - 41 times in his gospel.

Marcus Borg on Mark's use of the term "Son of God":

“We will not fully understand Mark’s affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God unless we realize that there was another Son of God in that world. For Christians to call Jesus “the Son of God” directly countered Roman imperialism and its rule of the world that they knew. So, already in the first verse, Mark names the conflict that will by the end of his story lead to the execution of Jesus.” 

Discussion Questions

1. How does Mark’s personal story—his early failure and later usefulness to God—shape the way we understand the Gospel as a “not too late” message?

2. What does the unique style of Mark's writing (see the examples in lesson notes) tell us about the urgency of the message and mission of Jesus? How does this sense of urgency influence your own faith and action?

3. How does Mark’s bold proclamation that Jesus is “the Son of God” directly confront the culture and political power of his time? Discuss what it means to declare allegiance to Jesus in a world with competing loyalties.

4. The sermon compares Mark’s Gospel to a college signing day announcement. How does this metaphor help us understand what it means to publicly declare our faith to Jesus? Share personal experiences of making faith “announcements” in your own life.

Hebrews 13:7, 17-21

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider their way of life, and imitate their faith.

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.

19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,

21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom by the glory forever and ever. Amen.

NOTES ON THE LESSON ON FOLLOWERSHIP

Three Questions of Followership:

1 Whose faith are you imitating?

2 Are you willing to submit to someone else?

3 Are you a joy to lead?

A Call to Imitate:

1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be imitators of me, just as I imitate Christ."

It is beneficial to have people in our lives whose faith we can imitate.

Jesus Learned Obedience:

Hebrews 5:8 - “Although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Obedience and submission are learned behaviors.

The Whole of Christianity:

The whole of Christianity is about learning to surrender and yield every aspect of your life – every part of it – all of it – to the lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s what the Christian faith is all about.

The Followership Continuum:

The Hebrew writer makes a continuum for following leaders. On one side of the continuum is joy and on the other side of the continuum is burden.

NOTES FROM THE LESSON ON SOUL CARE

Book on Church Leadership:

The Care of Souls:Cultivating a Pastor's Heart by Harold L. Senkbeil

The task of the leader in the church is to maintain a constant watch over the souls who have been committed to his care.

The Role of the Watchman in the Old Testament:

Watchmen were individuals who were appointed to their role and given the responsibility to watch over a city. Typically, they would be posted on a high wall or a tower so that they could see either a messenger or the enemy coming from long distances.

The Primary Task of the Church Leader is to "Tend to the Soul"

Humans do not have souls, humans are uniquely souls. We are both physical and spiritual, mortal and immortal, ordinary and unique in all of creation. There is nothing else like us in all of God’s creation. We are souls. 

The Shepherd and His Sheepdog:

The relationship of the shepherd and his sheepdog beautifully illustrates the work of the shepherd in the local church with his ears tuned attentively to the voice of the Great Shepherd and his eyes focused carefully on the Great Shepherd’s sheep.

The Because of Submission:

We submit to the shepherds of the local church because they are in a position of responsibility and accountability to the one who is in a position of authority – our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep. 

Discussion Questions

1. Who are some people who you have imitated in your life (in any aspect of life)? Who are two or three people whose faith you imitate? What is it about their faith that you imitate? 

2. Are you willing to submit to someone else? Can you think of a time when it was hard to submit to someone else? What made it so difficult? Can you think of a time when it was a good thing to submit to someone else? What made it good? Does knowing the "because" of submission in verse 17 help you to be someone who is more willing to submit to them? 

3. Where might you place yourself on the followership continuum? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a joy to lead? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a burden to lead? 

4. What aspect of the lesson on soul care helped you to better understand the role of the leader in the church? 

5. Spend some time praying for the shepherd nomination process at Southside. The shepherd selection team has provided us with a great prayer guide. There is a link to the prayer guide on church center.

Hebrews 13:7, 17

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider their way of life, and imitate their faith.

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. 

Notes from the Lesson

Three Questions of Followership:

1 Whose faith are you imitating?

2 Are you willing to submit to someone else?

3 Are you a joy to lead?

A Call to Imitate:

1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be imitators of me, just as I imitate Christ."

It is beneficial to have people in our lives whose faith we can imitate.

Jesus Learned Obedience:

Hebrews 5:8 - “Although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Obedience and submission are learned behaviors.

The Whole of Christianity:

The whole of Christianity is about learning to surrender and yield every aspect of your life – every part of it – all of it – to the lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s what the Christian faith is all about.

The Followership Continuum: 

The Hebrew writer makes a continuum for following leaders. On one side of the continuum is joy and on the other side of the continuum is burden. 

Discussion Questions

1. Who are some people who you have imitated in your life (in any aspect of life)? Who are two or three people whose faith you imitate? What is it about their faith that you imitate? 

2. Are you willing to submit to someone else? Can you think of a time when it was hard to submit to someone else? What made it so difficult? Can you think of a time when it was a good thing to submit to someone else? What made it good?

3. Where might you place yourself on the followership continuum? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a joy to lead? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a burden to lead? 

4. Spend some time praying for the shepherd nomination process at Southside. Pray specifically for the Lord to bless our church family with a spirit of followership.