9, 2014 SPEAKING PASTOR: Mel Lawrenz PASSAGE

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March 8/9, 2014 SPEAKING PASTOR: Mel Lawrenz PASSAGE: Mark 3:7-34

March 8/9, 2014 SPEAKING PASTOR: Mel Lawrenz PASSAGE: Mark 3:7-34

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

The Crowds (Mark 3:7-12) 1. The crowds pressed in around Jesus. What do you think they were seeking? Would you describe yourself as a follower of Jesus or just curious? What’s the difference?

The Crowds (Mark 3:7-12) 1. The crowds pressed in around Jesus. What do you think they were seeking? Would you describe yourself as a follower of Jesus or just curious? What’s the difference?

2. This is the second time we have read about demons/ evil spirits (Mark 1:23-28). How is it that the evil spirits knew who Jesus was, but the religious leaders and some of the crowds did not? James 2:19

2. This is the second time we have read about demons/ evil spirits (Mark 1:23-28). How is it that the evil spirits knew who Jesus was, but the religious leaders and some of the crowds did not? James 2:19

The Disciples (Mark 2:18-22) 3. What did Jesus do before He chose the 12? Read Luke 6:12-13. What can we learn from Jesus about how to make important decisions?

The Disciples (Mark 2:18-22) 3. What did Jesus do before He chose the 12? Read Luke 6:12-13. What can we learn from Jesus about how to make important decisions?

4. Read Mark 3:14-15 and Matthew 28:18-20. • For what purpose did Jesus call His disciples?

4. Read Mark 3:14-15 and Matthew 28:18-20. • For what purpose did Jesus call His disciples?

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What are you prepared to do as a follower of Jesus?

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What are you prepared to do as a follower of Jesus?

5. Jesus chose his disciples to be with Him (v. 14). Why do you think Jesus sought to spend time with them and what choices have you made to do the same with Him? What have been the benefits?

5. Jesus chose his disciples to be with Him (v. 14). Why do you think Jesus sought to spend time with them and what choices have you made to do the same with Him? What have been the benefits?

Bonus: Find a concordance and look up the names of all 12 apostles. Try to discover something about each one.

Bonus: Find a concordance and look up the names of all 12 apostles. Try to discover something about each one.

Opposition & Redefining Family (Mark 3:20-35) 6. Our families may be the most difficult people in our lives to understand or witness to about our relationship with Jesus. Who in your family doesn’t understand the truth about Jesus (v. 21)? • How have you experienced rejection or ridicule from those closest to you who do not have a relationship with Jesus?

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How can you stand firm in your faith yet be understanding with family members who do not agree with you?

7. The teachers of the law saw the miraculous signs Jesus performed and accused him of being possessed by the evil one. Still today people see the wonders of God and refuse to acknowledge Him. Read Mark 3:23-29. • What was it about Jesus’ response that challenged the accusation by teachers of the law?

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How does concern about your own sin indicate that you are not guilty of the sin Jesus speaks of in verse 29?

Opposition & Redefining Family (Mark 3:20-35) 6. Our families may be the most difficult people in our lives to understand or witness to about our relationship with Jesus. Who in your family doesn’t understand the truth about Jesus (v. 21)? • How have you experienced rejection or ridicule from those closest to you who do not have a relationship with Jesus?

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How can you stand firm in your faith yet be understanding with family members who do not agree with you?

7. The teachers of the law saw the miraculous signs Jesus performed and accused him of being possessed by the evil one. Still today people see the wonders of God and refuse to acknowledge Him. Read Mark 3:23-29. • What was it about Jesus’ response that challenged the accusation by teachers of the law?

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How does concern about your own sin indicate that you are not guilty of the sin Jesus speaks of in verse 29?

8. Who does Jesus say is His true family? Mark 3:34-35, John 1:12, 2 Corinthians 6:18, Romans 8:14-15, 1 John 3:1-2

8. Who does Jesus say is His true family? Mark 3:34-35, John 1:12, 2 Corinthians 6:18, Romans 8:14-15, 1 John 3:1-2

BRINGING IT HOME

BRINGING IT HOME

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The “12” were Jesus’ inner circle. Who is your inner circle of friends that you “do life” with?

2. What does it mean to “take sides” with Jesus? What does this look like practically in your life?

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The “12” were Jesus’ inner circle. Who is your inner circle of friends that you “do life” with?

2. What does it mean to “take sides” with Jesus? What does this look like practically in your life?