FOLLOW Follow the Risen Christ – Week 16 ‘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: 2025 Hope Valley Church Intern Team 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. This can be done as a whole group or in subgroups, and can include 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 As we come to the final study in our Follow series—learning what it means to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did—we arrive at the dramatic closing moments of Mark’s Gospel. In Mark 16:1–8, three women come to the tomb expecting to anoint Jesus’ body, but instead find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel announces the staggering news: “He has risen!” Some ancient manuscripts include verses 9–20, but Mark’s earliest ending leaves us with awe, wonder, and an unfinished story—one we’re invited to live out. Tonight, we explore the power of the resurrection and how this hope shapes our lives, calling us to share the good news of Jesus’ victory over death. Read: Mark 16:1–8 Invite a person to read the passage out loud to the group. Depending on your translation, read verses 9–20 also, and consider how the additional text impacts your understanding of the passage. Discussion Questions: What do you think this passage is saying to us today? What feelings does it evoke for you? Why do you think God chose two women to find the tomb empty? What did they see and hear when they arrived at the tomb? How would you have felt if it was you who had found the tomb empty? Who do you think the young man was? How did the women react to his message? Why do you think the women were afraid to tell people about Jesus rising from the dead? How does this passage challenge our understanding about faith and doubt? How can we believe in Jesus even in times when it’s impossible to see Him? 3. Look Forward Living Out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes How will you commit to building your personal faith this week? E.g. engaging in the rhythms of grace (daily time with God, weekly worship, fortnightly life group, six-weekly practical service), playing worship music throughout the week, listening to a sermon during your morning commute, meeting with a friend to pray, or something else. Jesus loves you. How can you reflect Jesus’s love to others this week? How are we able to share the Good News of Jesus to the people around us? Who will you share your story with this week? Pray Pray for a deeper understanding of Jesus’s perfect love (which casts out all fear! 1 John 4:18) Pray for the faith of your group to be strengthened Pray for those on your Relational Map Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: 📧 scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au