OCTOBER | WEEK 41
This week, we continue in the Gospel of Mark, chapters 7-11. Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.
Discussion Questions:
• In Mark 7:24-30, we find the story of a Gentile woman who came to Jesus for help. Why did Jesus initially express reluctance to help her?
• What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34)?
• At the Mount of Transfiguration, why did Peter want to make three tents? And what was the significance of God’s response? (Mark 9:4-8)
• What did Jesus mean when He said that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child? (Mark 10:13-16)
• How important is it that we forgive others (Mark 11:25)?
Some Answers from Last Week's Questions:
• What is the purpose of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27)? – It is a day of rest, for our benefit.
• What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-30)? – Attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to another source, especially to a demonic source.
• In the parable of the soils (Mark 4:13-20), what do the thorns represent? Consider what thorns you might be dealing with and their impact on your fruitfulness. – The thorns are the distraction we face every day. Distractions that occupy time and energy that rightly belongs to the Lord Jesus.
• How much do you need to know in order to witness to others? (Mark 5:19-20) – The only essential is that you have had an encounter with Jesus. Share what he has done for you.
• When Jesus taught the multitude that He later fed, what is the significance of their being sheep without a shepherd? (Mark 6:34) – Their religious leadership had not been feeding them. They were starving spiritually. But Jesus fed and cared for them.
Prayer: Jesus, help me slow down and rest in You. Clear away the distractions that keep me from hearing Your voice and bearing fruit. Give me courage to share what You have done in my life, and give me Your heart for those who are spiritually hungry. Help me follow You faithfully today. Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project New Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals
Discussion Questions:
• In Mark 7:24-30, we find the story of a Gentile woman who came to Jesus for help. Why did Jesus initially express reluctance to help her?
• What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34)?
• At the Mount of Transfiguration, why did Peter want to make three tents? And what was the significance of God’s response? (Mark 9:4-8)
• What did Jesus mean when He said that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child? (Mark 10:13-16)
• How important is it that we forgive others (Mark 11:25)?
Some Answers from Last Week's Questions:
• What is the purpose of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27)? – It is a day of rest, for our benefit.
• What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-30)? – Attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to another source, especially to a demonic source.
• In the parable of the soils (Mark 4:13-20), what do the thorns represent? Consider what thorns you might be dealing with and their impact on your fruitfulness. – The thorns are the distraction we face every day. Distractions that occupy time and energy that rightly belongs to the Lord Jesus.
• How much do you need to know in order to witness to others? (Mark 5:19-20) – The only essential is that you have had an encounter with Jesus. Share what he has done for you.
• When Jesus taught the multitude that He later fed, what is the significance of their being sheep without a shepherd? (Mark 6:34) – Their religious leadership had not been feeding them. They were starving spiritually. But Jesus fed and cared for them.
Prayer: Jesus, help me slow down and rest in You. Clear away the distractions that keep me from hearing Your voice and bearing fruit. Give me courage to share what You have done in my life, and give me Your heart for those who are spiritually hungry. Help me follow You faithfully today. Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project New Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals