Sermon Recap Questions (4/30)
Read Mark 2:1-12.
What is the most interesting or shocking part of this story to you?
The paralyzed man had some friends who were deeply committed to him. Do you feel like you have friends or family that would do something that extreme to help you?
Why do you think Jesus forgave this man's sins before he healed him?
Some Bible commentators believe that this man's paralysis was caused by sin in his life. Can you think of how that might have been the case?
Jesus goes in for a deep and complete healing. In your opinion, how much sickness and disease are related to sin issues in our life? Name some sin issues that could physically harm us.
It seemed like everyone wanted something from Jesus but few were willing to get down to a soul level with him. Read John 6:66. What does this tell us?
Why did the religious leaders in the room have such a negative reaction to Jesus forgiving this man’s sins?
When Jesus refers to himself as the son of man what is he communicating?
Read Mark 2:13-17.
Knowing that tax collectors were despised and hated, how do you think Jesus’s other disciples felt about Jesus asking Levi to be his disciple?
In today's culture who would be comparable to the hated tax collectors of Jesus’s day?
How do you think Levi felt when Jesus asked him to be his disciple?
Levi gave up a very lucrative career when he decided to follow Jesus. Why do you think he did it?
Why do you think Jesus invited his disciples to join him at Levi’s house?
When you committed your life to Jesus, who were the first people you informed about your decision? How did they receive the news?
As a follower of Jesus, what is the most uncomfortable space you have found yourself in?
Do you find it difficult to invite people to church or to have conversations about faith with people who are not Christ followers?
Jesus was constantly building bridges to people who stood outside of faith. How do you build bridges with people who are outside of faith?
If you grew up going to church, do you feel like your church was a safe place for people who were not Christians?
Read Mark 2:18-22.
Why do you think the religious crowd was offended that Jesus and his disciples were not fasting and practicing spiritual strictness and self-denial like they were?
Jesus used wedding language to emphasize that something brand new had arrived. It was Jesus ushering in the new covenant and the kingdom of God. This exciting message was not received very well. Why do you think this is?
Jesus indicated that a day would come when people would fast. He was talking about his death and resurrection. He also said in Mark 8:34b, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Is it possible to live a life of self denial and yet enjoy life? Explain how that works.
When Jesus talked about old wineskins and new windskins what was he talking about?
In your opinion, why do you think some people gravitate more towards rules and strictness in practicing their faith than others?
What happens when you mix the old covenant with the new covenant?