FOLLOW Follow through Suffering and Sacrifice - Week 15 ‘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: Dean Brookes 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 giving thanks to God for? Where have you seen God at work? In what way have you been open to God working through you? What have been the joys and struggles of living out God’s Word recently? What might you see happening in the lives of those on your relational map who you perceive to be distant 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 While writers such as the Apostle Paul theologically reflect on the Cross of Christ (Romans 6:1–11, 1 Corinthians 15:3–9), the gospel writer Mark graphically describes the events of the last day of the human life of Jesus. His suffering and sacrifice is described in sobering words. One cannot but be moved to the core of one’s being at the violence of the authorities and the brutal actions that were the antithesis of the loving and self-giving life that was condemned and crucified. Read: Mark 15:1–39 Close your eyes as one member of your group reads this passage of scripture. Then repeat it by having another person read it from a different version. Then discuss what you “saw and heard,” especially being aware of the emotion it evoked. What insights does this account offer into the character of Pilate and Jesus? Why is Pilate indecisive? What is his concern? Why is Jesus silent? Why did Jesus allow himself to suffer such trial and torture when he could have used his power to escape? How do you feel about this? What does it make you want to do? What ironies do you observe here: In the places occupied by the robbers (see 10:35–45)? In the call to Jesus to save himself by coming down from the cross (v.29–30)? In the officially posted reason for Jesus’ death (v.26)? How do you respond to this? What connection is there between the cry of Jesus (v.34, also Psalm 22:1), the tearing of the temple curtain (v.38, see Hebrews 10:19–23), and the faith of the centurion (v.39)? Read Isaiah 53 slowly. How would you paraphrase it to explain the meaning and outcome of Jesus’ death? How easy or difficult is it for you to believe that Jesus died for your sins? How easy is it for you to explain to others why Jesus was crucified? 3. Look Forward Living out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes How will what you are learning change how you live? For example, what “curtain” do you feel still separates you from God? How does Jesus’ sacrifice change that? What is a risky thing you feel called to do as the outworking of your faith in Jesus? How could you communicate more effectively the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Pray Pray for greater understanding of the Cross of Christ and its application in your life. Pray for those on your Relational Map. Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au