Grow Guide | Feb 25, 2024
Series Theme: One Easter, One Mission
Reading: Mark 10:13-16
Connecting Questions
What has been something funny a child said to you?
Who has put a comforting hand on you? Why? Was it animal? Friend? Loved one?
Prayer for Illumination
Lord God, You have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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 Kristofer Phan Coffman at EntertheBible.org:
The Gospel of Mark’s role as “little brother” to Matthew continued into the Reformation. Martin Luther did not lecture on Mark and does not reference the Gospel in his 1546 Preface to the New Testament. John Calvin, however, did include Mark in his commentary on the Gospels, but again with less emphasis than on Matthew and Luke. The historic lectionary used in the western church, which repeated itself every year, contributed to the lack of interest. Mark only appeared four times as the Sunday Gospel which has led to fewer sermons and preaching materials devoted to it.
Look at the Book
Open to Mark 1. Reread Mark 1:1; why was this verse so important?
Jump to Mark 10:1. Where is Jesus on a map? Where is his journey going to lead him?
This section contains teaching on divorce and children. We have come a long way in our understanding of the complexities of human relationships. Think of someone you know who has experienced divorce; what was the experience like, in their words, not yours? What did you learn?
In 10:2 who is testing Jesus? Google them. What do you learn?
What is at the center of most broken relationships? See 10:5. What do you think that phrase means? Who else in the Bible experienced this?
Jump to verse 10:13. Abrupt shift. What are people doing now?
Why is human touch an essential part of life?
Why do the disciples respond this way?
The value of children in Jesus’s day was incredibly low; they were treated as property, much like a slave. Even being associated with children brought shame or less value to you. Knowing this, how does that color the way the disciple’s responded?
Why did Martin Luther write the Small Catechism? Yes, for teaching faith in church, but it was for parents. What did Luther value about parents and children?
What do you make of Jesus’s command in verse 14?
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 children at the new site? Visit easter.org/onesite to learn more.
What belongs to children, according to Jesus in verse 10:14? What do you think that means?
In 10:15, the word Jesus uses is “receive.” That is the opposite of “take.” What is Jesus saying in verse 15?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Greet a child kindly in public this week. How do their parents respond?
Greet a child kindly in worship this week. How does that affirm their belovedness to God?
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.