BY: Sarah Auger
DATE: Sunday 29 October 2023

‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Read online
Mark – Chapter 10, verses 13-16

EXCERPT:
Jean Twenge, says the following, ‘The breakneck speed of cultural change means that growing up today is a completely different experience from growing up in the 1950s or the 1980s—or even the 2000s.’ One of the striking things about Jesus was the way he treated all generations – his kingdom is an intergenerational kingdom, where young and old learn from – and lead – one another. What would it look like for us to truly understand and live this out today?

TRANSCRIPT:
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Each week there are TWO different sets of questions for you to use, whether you are exploring the Bible within your Life Group, in other group settings, or simply using them on your own.

A | DISCUSSION STARTERS
These are simple questions to provoke discussion together out of the talk (ideal if you are watching our Sunday Service online with others in your group):

1 | Was there anything that particularly helped you during the talk?

2 | Was there anything that you didn’t necessarily agree with, or found difficult to understand in the talk?

3 | As a result of the talk, what:

a. Changes do you want to see?

b. Truths do you need to remember?

c. Actions do you need to take?

B | QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE
These are questions that are based on the talk and the surrounding themes:

Read: Mark – Chapter 10, verses 13-16

1 | When was the last time you had a good conversation with someone of a completely different generation to you? What was the experience like?

2 | In Mark 10:13-14, the disciples criticised people for bringing children to Jesus. Why do you think they did this, and how does Jesus’ response challenge our understanding of the value of
children and childlike faith?

3 | Reflect on Jesus’ statement in Mark 10:15, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it”. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a child, and how does childlike faith differ from childishness? (See also Matthew 18:3 and 1 Corinthians 14:20)

4 | How can the attributes of different generations serve as examples for our own faith and relationship with God? How do the qualities that children often have contrast with the skepticism and doubt often associated with adulthood?

5 | Read Psalm 131:2, which describes the psalmist’s soul as ‘quieted’ and ‘calmed’ like a weaned child. How can we cultivate a similar sense of peace and contentment in our relationship with God? (See also Philippians 4:6-7 and Isaiah 26:3)

6 | In Mark 10:16, Jesus blesses the children. How can this act of blessing children serve as a model for our own interactions with children and young people, and demonstrate the importance of
affirming and nurturing their faith?

7 | Explore the concept of childlike trust in God’s provision and guidance. How can we learn to depend on God and seek his will with the innocence and eagerness of a child? (See also Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:5)

8 | In today’s fast-paced and complex world, how can we avoid losing the childlike wonder and awe in our relationship with God? How does maintaining childlike faith impact our outlook on life and our ability to experience joy in everyday moments?

9 | Take some time to pray. Ask that God would help you to have a childlike faith.

As you explore these questions pray for one another to deepen and develop your relationship with Jesus.

BOOK:
King’s Cross’ by Timothy Keller

Unpredictable yet reliable, gentle yet powerful, authoritative yet humble, human yet divine.’ Respected pastor and bestselling author Tim Keller takes a deep and thought-provoking look at the life of Christ. Drawing from Mark’s gospel, he explains how Jesus’ identity as king and his purpose in dying on the cross have meaning and significance on a cosmic scale as well as for the individual. THE REASON FOR GOD gave a passionate and intellectually compelling case for God, while THE PRODIGAL GOD explored the gospel’s central message of grace. Now KING’S CROSS gives a captivating account of the person at the heart of it all: Jesus. Written in Keller’s trademark authoritative yet inviting style, this book will unlock new insights for believers and unbelievers alike. (Source)

COMMENTARY:
‘The Gospel According to Mark’ by James R. Edwards

This new Pillar volume offers exceptional commentary on Mark that clearly shows the second Gospel—though it was a product of the earliest Christian community—to be both relevant and sorely needed in today’s church.

Written by a biblical scholar who has devoted thirty years to the study of the second Gospel, this commentary aims primarily to interpret the Gospel of Mark according to its theological intentions and purposes, especially as they relate to the life and ministry of Jesus and the call to faith and discipleship. Unique features of James Edwards’s approach include clear descriptions of key terms used by Mark and revealing discussion of the Gospel’s literary features, including Mark’s use of the “sandwich” technique and of imagistic motifs and irony. Edwards also proposes a new paradigm for interpreting the difficult “Little Apocalypse” of chapter 13, and he argues for a new understanding of Mark’s controversial ending. (Source)

VIDEO:
‘Gospel of Mark Summary’ by The Bible Project

Watch this overview video on the book of Mark, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Mark demonstrates that Jesus is Israel’s Messiah who inaugurates God’s kingdom through his suffering, death, and resurrection.

Coming Soon