Grow Guide | February 4, 2024
Series Theme: One Easter, One Mission
Reading: Mark 6:34-44
Connecting Questions
· What’s a memorable meal you had recently?
· What’s a miracle to you?
Prayer for Illumination
Eternal God, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in the new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever - the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our 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:
This third cycle of stories includes the sending of the Twelve, John the Baptist’s execution during Herod’s feast, Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand, Jesus’ crossings of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus’ travels to Tyre and Sidon, Jesus’ feeding of the four thousand, and a concluding section.
Look at the Book
Open to Mark 1. Reread Mark 1:1; why was this verse so important?
Jump to Mark 6:1. What do we learn right away?
What do we learn about where Jesus goes first in Mark 6:2? Why does he go there? How do people respond to Jesus?
What story (v17-29) is right before verse 33? This is a political execution; why?
What happens in verse 30-32? What does Jesus command here?
Why is sabbath rest so hard for us? What is the gift of sabbath?
What happens in verse 33?
What is Jesus’ response and heart in seeing the crowd?
Google the word “compassion.” What is its meaning?
Google “Luther’s seven marks of the church.” What are they? This is how Luther tried to help identify where the church is in a changing world. Does Easter have all these marks? Where can we grow?
What image emerges in verse 34? Why does this describe Jesus? Can this image describe you? In what ways are you a “shepherd?”
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.
The disciples struggle with not finding or having enough bread. How do we struggle with scarcity?
How has God provided for you in your life?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
What fills you up?
Pray for The Open Door, Loaves and Fishes, Fare for All—and JAM, Confirmation, YOWIES, WOW and the many feeding ministries of Easter.
Prayer
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.