Grow Guide | Feb 11, 2024
Series Theme: One Easter, One Mission
Reading: Mark 8:34-9:8
Connecting Questions
Who are two people who you look to for wisdom?
What is something that has been transforming in your life? A relationship, job, gift?
Prayer for Illumination
Almighty God, the resplendent light of your truth shines from the mountaintop into our hearts. Transfigure us by your beloved Son, and illumine the world with your image, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Context
One Easter One Mission, as a community of believers we will come together to celebrate community and generosity. We will use those attributes to carry on the work of Jesus Christ. Studying the gospel of Mark we see how Jesus taught his disciples (and us) to bear fruit and live active lives of faith. Come explore the many opportunities to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ at Easter. So glad you are here!
From Pastor Paul Berge at EntertheBible.org:
More than any of the other Gospels, Mark shares key theological commitments with the letters of Paul. These commitments include emphasizing the paradox that God shows strength in weakness on the cross, making clear the inclusion of those beyond the Jewish people, and pointing out the disciples’ misunderstanding of Jesus’ messiahship. In addition, Mark makes the point that those who did not know Jesus personally can still legitimately preach the Gospel (9:30-32). In contrast to Matthew, Luke, and John, both Mark and Paul focus their attention on Jesus’ death without a corresponding emphasis on retelling his teaching.
Look at the Book
Open to Mark 1. Reread Mark 1:1; why was this verse so important?
Jump to Mark 8:29. What question does Jesus ask of his disciples? How would you answer this question today?
What experiences and events help you answer the previous question?
Jump to 8:34. What is central to being a follower of Jesus?
How can “take up your cross” be misinterpreted? What is Jesus asking of us in verses 34-37?
Jump to 9:2. Who goes with Jesus and where are they going? What are some important things in the Bible that have happened in locations like this one?
In Greek (the original language of the New Testament), to “transfigure” is where we get “metamorphosis.” What happens to Jesus on the mountain?
How do the disciples respond to what they experience? Have you experienced something difficult to explain to others?
In Mark 9:6, the disciples were ________. Martin Luther would agree: “According to Luther, sinners experience the hidden God as a terrifying presence causing them to suffer. Through faith, however, sinners are able to recognize that this wrathful God is one with the God of love and mercy revealed in Christ.”
In verse seven, what appears? Where has this shown up in a Bible story? Use Google for help.
A voice speaks! Who do we think it is? What is said? Where have we heard a voice like this before? (Hint: Mark 1:9-11)
As we work towards one site as Easter, it gives us an opportunity to turn our energy towards our neighbor. What is one hope you have for the newly completed site? Visit easter.org/onesite to learn more.
Can the disciples stay on the mountain? Why or why not? How does this connect to our life of faith and our neighbors?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Comfort someone you know who is struggling this week. Who has just had a mountain top experience? Celebrate with them.
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.