FOLLOW

Follow with a Willing Heart - Week 4

‘Be with Jesus. Become like Him. Do as He did.’ - John Mark Comer

Focus:

Mark, likely the earliest of the four Gospels, is a rapid, fast-paced and action-filled book. It is a diverse collage or mosaic of scenes—ranging from public gatherings, crowds, small groups and private encounters—in which the unifying element is always Jesus. Mark begins with the bold claim that this “is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (1:1). We gradually get a clearer view of Jesus as we grapple with who He is, the mystery of His Kingdom, and what it means to follow Him. We travel from Galilee at the start of His ministry, see a glimpse of His glory at the Transfiguration and finally go to Jerusalem where He is crucified. Ultimately, we encounter the Suffering Servant who gave up his life, yet rose again, to save many. And Mark challenges all readers to decide for themselves, who do you say Jesus is?

Study by: Ivan Cooper
Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel

1. Look Back

Praise, Thanks and Reflection
Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song.

What are you thankful for?
Where have you seen God at work?
How has God used you?
How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering?
Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus?
Has anything happened in the lives of those on your relational map who are far from God? (See the Relational Map Video)

Pray
In prayer capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support.

2. Look Up

Opening God’s Word | 20–30 minutes

Setting the Scene
Later in Mark (6:45–52), Jesus sends his disciples across by boat whilst he remains and dismisses the crowd. Late that night, whilst the disciples were struggling and straining against the wind, Jesus was watching them closely. What they perceived as terrible difficulty and trouble, God would use to grow their faith and deepen their understanding of who Jesus was. Whilst they felt alone, Jesus walked on ahead across the water, intending to pass them by; with strong similarity to when God passed by in front of Moses (Exodus 33) and later in front of Elijah (1 Kings 19). God's heart longed and willed that they could have a deeper revelation of who He was and see His glory. And even though the disciples reacted with fear, Jesus was quick to turn to them in compassion, stepping in the boat alongside them. All the way through Mark, we see how the disciples grappled with awe and confusion, trying to understand Who Jesus was. And the more they saw, it transformed them to share His compassion with the world.

Read: Mark 1:29–45
Read the passage through as a group from a couple of different translations.

These questions are based on discussion and storytelling ideas by author Sam Chan:

Reread the passage another time individually.
Retell the story with a friend.
What impressed you in the story? What surprised or shocked you?
What questions do you still want answered? What don't you understand yet?
What is the main idea or event in the story?
What does the story teach us about Jesus (or God)? What truths do we discover?

3. Look Forward

Living out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes

If the story is true, how will you live differently?
What is God teaching you from this story?
Who could you share this story with?

Pray
Open your heart in prayer to receive more of Jesus’ compassion and ask for opportunities to extend that compassion to others in need.
Praying for those on your Relational Map.

Contacts
If you would like more information or further help please contact:
scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au