Scripture
Mark 3:1-12
Outline
A. Mark 3:1-2 - Another Round
Fifth and final of a series of conflicts Jesus has with religious leaders who want to find a reason to accuse Jesus of wrongdoing
There is a man present at the synagogue with a shriveled hand which would cause him to be an outcast
B. Mark 3:3-5 - Jesus our Healer
Jesus calls the man front and center
He asks “Do good or evil? Save or kill life?” to the Pharisees, who are not interested in healing the man. Stubborn like Pharoah
Jesus restores the man’s hand
C. Mark 3:6 - Killing Jesus
Like the Pharisees, we kill/get rid of Jesus when he doesn’t do what we want
We plot to kill Jesus when His life interferes with ours
D. Mark 3:7-12 - What can Jesus give me?
The people with diseases and the impure spirits wanted something from Jesus, not Jesus himself
We commodify Jesus when we want what he can give us
How do we stop ourselves from Killing or Commodifying Jesus?
Do His commands make me vengeful or curious?
Is my attitude toward Him dependent on favorable outcomes?
Do I miss being with Jesus?
We need Jesus because Life is Hard, we live divided, self-destructive live, and our world needs hope
Discussion Questions
Following Jesus and being with him is challenging. When you look at His life and teachings, what is most difficult about following Jesus?
Like any relationship, there are frustrating moments where we might just get rid of our relationship with Jesus. Think of a time when that may have happened for you. What happened? How did your relationship with Jesus recover?
Think of a time you asked Jesus for something he can give. What did you ask for? If you did not get what you asked for, how did you respond?
Why is it difficult for us to see our need for Jesus himself rather than what He gives us?