BY: Judy Moore
DATE: Sunday 15 October 2023

‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Read online
Mark – Chapter 8, verses 31 to 38 

EXCERPT:
When you meet someone for the first time, how do you describe yourself? What defines you? By going to the cross Jesus lost his identity, so we can have a new identity. When we understand how much Jesus loves us by being willing to die for us, we can find new freedom- our old approach to identity (money, power, relationships, achievements etc) is gone as we find a new identity as a child of God.

TRANSCRIPT:
Please scroll to the bottom of this page. 

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 8, verses 31-38

1 | When you meet someone for the first time, how do you describe yourself? What characteristics about your life do you often use to describe yourself (eg. your job, your relationships etc)?

2 | In Mark 8:31, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection. Why do you think Peter rebukes him, and what does Jesus’ response reveal about his trajectory? What might this also show about the path of discipleship?

3 | Jesus calls for self-denial and taking up the cross in Mark 8:34. How can we practically apply this call in our lives today? Discuss the concept of self-denial in a culture that promotes selffulfilment and instant gratification. (See also Galatians 2:20 and Romans 12:1-2)

4 | In Mark 8:35, Jesus speaks of losing one’s life for his sake. What does this mean, and how can we experience true life and fulfillment through surrendering our lives to Christ? (See also John 10:10 and Romans 6:4)

5 | What do you think it means to gain the whole world but lose your soul (Mark 8:36-37)? How might this caution us against pursuing worldly success and possessions at the expense of our spiritual well-being?

6 | Jesus addresses shame and embarrassment in Mark 8:38, stating that those who are ashamed of Him and His words will face judgment. Is there any pressure that you face to conform today?

7 | In Mark 8:36, Jesus emphasises the value of our souls. What might this mean in practice?

8 | In Mark 8:38, Jesus speaks of His future glory and that of the Father and the holy angels. How does focusing on the eternal perspective impact our daily choices and priorities? (See also Colossians 3:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

9 | Take some time to pray, asking that God would help you follow Christ, whatever the cost.

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