FOLLOW Follow with Faithfulness - Week 14 ‘Be with Jesus. Become like Him. Do as He did.’ – John Mark Comer Focus In chapter 8 of Mark we reach a pivotal point, in which Peter declares that he knows Jesus to be the Messiah. Yet, as Jesus shares that this would mean his rejection, suffering, death and resurrection, the disciples just couldn’t understand it; even after seeing a glimpse of his glory at the transfiguration soon after. As Jesus travels towards Jerusalem, the disciples' preconceived ideas continue to be challenged, and their hopes of a conquering messiah would be replaced with the paradox of a king who would overcome by dying. Most amazingly, after even the disciples would flee and abandon Jesus, Mark records that it was in fact a Roman soldier who first realises that, “This man truly was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39) Jesus shows what it means to be a kingdom leader, as he became a humble servant, willing to sacrifice his life for those he loves. And He has won the victory, for “He is risen from the dead!” (Mark 16:6) Study by: Carol and Des Joyce *Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Look Back Sharing Our Journey | 10–20 minutes 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 do you go or what do you do when you are facing difficult situations? Do you prefer to be alone or in the company of friends in difficult situations? Song: Firm Foundation (He Won’t) by Cody Carnes 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9ndiD0_qNk 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 (Commentary notes by Fr John McKinnon) Verses 32–34 Mark said Jesus began to be utterly distraught and deeply distressed. In the original language the words used convey the sense of psychological break-down, of falling apart. It was Mark’s first real illustration of Jesus’ vulnerability, and denoted a particularly intense experience. To Jesus the severity of his sadness felt death-threatening. A wave of depression seemed to roll in beyond his control, as though the inevitability of what was happening suddenly confronted him with an inescapable clarity and force. Satan would more likely have been at work tempting Jesus to despair, to lose faith in God, to lose hope that people could truly opt for love, to retreat into resentment and bitterness. Verses 35–36 Jesus struggled. Mark described his prayer dramatically. Jesus collapsed on the ground. He asked his God to remove the intensity of the pain, his cup of suffering. Whatever about his pain, Jesus found himself empowered to seek what God wanted for him, where life lay. God did not directly want Jesus to suffer; God wanted Jesus, whatever might be the cost, to be faithful to his truest self, enabling him to move beneath his surging, overwhelming, feelings to draw on his deepest convictions and to choose accordingly. Verses 37–38 In his vulnerability Jesus sought the support of human friendship. Yet his energies were not absorbed totally in himself and his needs. He was in touch with the seriousness of the moment. This was the definitive encounter of Good and Evil, and it was happening in his own spirit. It was the time of trial in which not only he but his disciples, too, were irresistibly caught up. He urged them to pray that they be spared the struggle that was crushing him. Verse 39 Jesus moved beyond the passive acceptance of the inevitable to an active and totally free commitment to true life, integrity and love. Verses 40–42 Having faced his deepest fears and stared into the abyss of his deepest weaknesses, Jesus stood erect and went in freedom to meet his end. Read: Mark 14:32–42 Discussion Jesus struggles with his human trauma which is to come in the next hours and his submission to his Father’s will – shows him as fully man and fully God. Question: Have you struggled with this aspect of Jesus as both God and man? Explain how you have worked through this issue. Jesus, deeply distressed and troubled, prays intensely, asking God to remove the “cup” of suffering if it is God's will. (The "cup" represents the suffering and death Jesus is about to face, a symbolic representation of the wrath of God poured out on sin.) Question: Describe some people in your life and how they have approached the prospect of death. How has this helped build your faith? Jesus ultimately submits to God's will, demonstrating his obedience and commitment to fulfilling his Father's plan. Question: Jesus had to submit to God’s will. What does this show you about life and our choices? The disciples, entrusted to watch and pray with Jesus, fall asleep three times, highlighting their spiritual weakness and inability to share in his suffering. Question: What does it mean for you to be “spiritually weak”? Share how this weakness shows itself. The passage serves as a reminder of the power of prayer, especially in times of difficulty and temptation. It encourages believers to seek God's will and to find strength in prayer when facing trials. Question: What trials can you recall? Describe one and how prayer helped you through to a sense of peace. 3. Look Forward Living out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes The disciples' failure to stay awake and watch with Jesus serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need to support one another in times of hardship. Question: Describe a time in your life when you have failed Jesus or your friends in being spiritually vigilant. How did God break through? Or how would you deal with it now, given your life experiences? Question: When facing trials in the future, what lessons could you take forward from Jesus’ example? Pray When facing trials, follow Jesus’ example of faithful prayer and obedience to God’s will. Pray for those who are at present grieving the loss of a close family member. Pray for courage to face tough life circumstances. Pray for those who are facing trials. Pray for insight and wisdom to be able to help those who are struggling to cope. Praying for those on your Relational Map. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: 📧 scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au