FOLLOW

Follow the Way of Mercy – Week 5

‘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: Jacqui Thomas
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
Capernaum was the landing place for many ships that crossed the lake or travelled from town to town along the great road of eastern commerce. It was not surprising to find a tax collector there—like Levi.
Levi, a Jew who worked for the Romans, was hated for his dishonesty and greed. Tax collectors were seen as ritually unclean and collaborators with Gentile oppressors. The Pharisees’ laws forbade eating with such people, as it would make one unclean too.
Yet Jesus, who the crowds saw performing miracles and teaching with authority, did exactly that. So what was going on?

Read: Mark 2:13–17
Have people read this short passage aloud in a few different versions.

What stands out or raises questions for you from this passage?
Think about Levi: he was a Jew, but hated. When Jesus asked him to follow, how did he respond?
What are some other ways he could have responded?
How do you think the other disciples felt eating with people they had likely grown up hating?
What might have been motivating the Pharisees’ question to Jesus?
Reflect on Jesus’s answer: What is He actually saying to the Pharisees about the ‘sinners’ at His table—and about those questioning His authority on sin and cleanliness?

3. Look Forward

Living out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes

How have you responded when Jesus asked you to follow Him—either at first or along your journey with Him?
Is God asking you to follow Him somewhere in your life now that you weren’t expecting?
Is there someone you’ve been seeing in the wrong light like the Pharisees did in this passage? Could God be calling you to engage with them differently?

Pray
Break into small groups and, if you feel comfortable, share and pray about what God has put on your heart. You may just want to spend time listening to Jesus as you pray, or receive prayer from others.
Continue praying for those on your Relational Map.

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