Mark 15:1-15

Mark 14:26-31, 66-72

Mark 14:1-2, 10-11, 43-50

1. Take some time to read, think and pray over Mark 14:32-42. Is God speaking to you in this passage?

2. In discussing how Jesus dealt with His struggle in the garden of Gethsemane, Steve noted that Jesus brought three close friends along. Who would you ‘bring along’ when facing serious problems? Tell us about these people!

3. Jesus prayed in the garden addressing God as ‘Abba’ which translates as Papa or Daddy. Do you relate to God as Papa or Daddy? Please share why or why not.

4. One author noted that Jesus was “plunged into a sinkhole of agony” in Gethsemane. He was overwhelmed by grief . . . but He stayed and obeyed God. HALLELUJAH!! Can you share a time when you or someone you know stayed and obeyed in the face of overwhelming circumstances?

5. What did you find particularly significant or new in today’s sermon? How will this affect your walk with Jesus?

6. Please write your own question or comments here and share with the group.

1. Steve noted that there is a wealth of symbolism in the Passover Seder and its relation to our practice of Communion. Was there anything that stood out or was new information to you?

2. Jesus broke with the Passover Seder tradition by getting up after the meal and washing the disciples' feet. Why did Jesus do this? Have there been situations when you felt called ‘to be last’ or be willingly humbled? Please share.

3. The four cups of the Seder are associated with four verbs that describe what God did in saving the Jews from Egyptian captivity: God brought them out of Egypt, He delivered them from the death of their first-born sons, He redeemed them from slavery and took them to be His people. Does one of these ‘verbs’ resonate with you? Why?

4. Steve noted that at The Last Supper Judas was most likely seated in the place of honor. Why would Jesus do this?

5. The Passover is the retelling of God delivering the Jews from slavery in Egypt. As Christians what stories do we like to retell? Among your family and friends, what stories do you tell on special occasions to commemorate important events?

Suggested small group discussion questions for this week:

“All the nations you have made will come and worship you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.” Psalm 86:9-10

1. Did you take some time to meet with a missionary on Missions Sunday morning? If so, please share what you learned. What surprised or impressed you about your interaction with one of our mission ministries?

2. Will you select a missionary or mission organization and commit to praying for them? Which one? Missionary updates are located at the Missions Coffee Bar in the Narthex.

3. Sunset supports and has connections with many missionary efforts. A few of these are Family Promise; supporting missions in Alaska and Uganda; our Helping Hands Clothing Closet, Community Garden, Food Pantry, Pack the Pack (nutrition backpacks for local school children); and our Kids Camp. What kind of mission effort do you naturally gravitate toward? Discuss how you would consider being involved in Sunset’s mission outreach.

4. One very important mission field is each of our own neighborhoods. Spend some time thinking about and discussing how you can be a “missionary” in your neighborhood!

Mark 10:46-52

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

1. In verse 48 Bartimaeus shouts out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” A dictionary definition of mercy is “compassion or forgiveness toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” Why did Bartimaeus need mercy? Share a time when someone has shown you mercy (in a large or a small way) or you’ve shown mercy to another.

2. Steve noted the word ‘stopped’ in verse 49 can be translated as ‘stand your ground’ or ‘take a stand against.’ What was Jesus taking a stand against when He stopped and said, “Call him.”

What have you had to take a stand against in your walk as a Christian? Please share.

3. As noted above, Bartimaeus shouted out to Jesus, and on being asked, told Him what he wanted. Share a time when you shouted out to Jesus. Think about current events or issues in your life, is there anything that you need to shout out to Jesus about? Is there anything stopping you from doing so?

4. In verse 51, Bartimaeus states, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Steve noted that in calling Jesus ‘Rabbi’ this passage can be translated as “Be my teacher in order that I might see.” The passage later states Bartimaeus “followed Jesus along the road.” Steve noted that Bartimaeus sight was restored, but more importantly, he was saved and followed Jesus. In what specific way have you been restored as a result of being saved?

Mark 10:17-31

Key passage-Mark 10:21-22

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go and sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me. At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth.”

1. The rich young man’s wealth was obviously of great import to him. Is there anything in your life of such great importance that it can conflict with putting Christ as your first priority? Please discuss.

2. Barb noted that the rich young man went away sad. Do you think he was content with his life? Why do think he was sad?

3. Think about things that bring you contentment. In your typical day, what kinds of things do you seek to bring fulfillment/contentment? How does Jesus fit in?

4. Barb reminded us that in the culture of Jesus’ time, wealth was seen as favor with God, while poverty indicated God’s disfavor. The disciples were stunned when He said it is very hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. As Christians in our culture, what assumptions do we make that Jesus would need to correct?

5. Is there anything you’ve had to give up to follow Jesus? Was it a struggle? Please share.

Mark 10:35-45

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Key Verse-Mark 10:45

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.”

1. In this sermon Steve asks, “What is the meaning of Jesus’ death?” Please share a time in your life when

this question really hit home with you. What were the circumstances?

2. The above passages emphasize servanthood. Can you think of person who has been an exemplary servant to you? How would you describe that person? How did they serve you?

3. Steve quoted Tim Keller’s statement that, “All life-changing love is substitionary sacrifice.” If you can give specific examples of life-changing love as sacrifice please do!

4. What struck you about the story of Count Von Zizendorf?

5. In the inscription on Domenica Feti’s painting, Ecce Homo, Jesus asks us this question, “This I have done for you. What have you done for me?” Think about and share one specific thing you will do for Jesus this week and come back and tell us about it at our next meeting.