This week, Pastor Brad continues the series “The Gospel of Mark: Servanthood and Sacrifice in a Selfie World” with a message titled ‘Checkmate’ based on Mark 12:18-27.
1. The ________ of the Game: Hard hearts are _______ to the truth.
2. The ________ of the Game: Checkmate, because only one ________ can be left standing on the board at the end of the game.
3. The _________ during the Game: Bad ideas produce _______________.
4. The _________________ to end the Game: The __________ transforms everything!
Conclusion: Jesus declares “__________” to make me His __________.
ICEBREAKER: What was something you thought would be easy until you tried it?
1. What are the implications of a belief system that denies the resurrection [Mark 12:18]? Can you think of modern examples? Consider also Acts 17:32; Acts 23:6-10; and 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
2. Although it seems strange to us, how would the practice of levirate marriage provide for the vulnerable in that ancient society [Mark 12:19]? Look up Genesis 38:1-14; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; and Ruth 4:5 for more insights.
3. How is it possible to be familiar with the Scriptures and yet not know them [Mark 12:24]? What is the difference? What is the remedy [cf. Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; and 2 Timothy 3:14-17]?
4. The Sadducees were religious leaders, but Jesus said they did not know the power of God [Mark 12:24]. What are some possible reasons that would prevent someone from knowing God’s power [cf. Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; and Matthew 19:26]?
5. What do you find remarkable about Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:25? How does it make you feel [cf. Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39-40; and Colossians 3:18-19]?
6. How does Jesus’ explanation found in Mark 12:26-27 give you hope for the future [cf. John 11:21-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; and 2 Timothy 1:10]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“Jesus Christ did not come into this world to make bad people good; he came into this world to make dead people live.” (Lee Strobel)
ICEBREAKER: What was something you thought would be easy until you tried it?
1. What are the implications of a belief system that denies the resurrection [Mark 12:18]? Can you think of modern examples? Consider also Acts 17:32; Acts 23:6-10; and 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
2. Although it seems strange to us, how would the practice of levirate marriage provide for the vulnerable in that ancient society [Mark 12:19]? Look up Genesis 38:1-14; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; and Ruth 4:5 for more insights.
3. How is it possible to be familiar with the Scriptures and yet not know them [Mark 12:24]? What is the difference? What is the remedy [cf. Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; and 2 Timothy 3:14-17]?
4. The Sadducees were religious leaders, but Jesus said they did not know the power of God [Mark 12:24]. What are some possible reasons that would prevent someone from knowing God’s power [cf. Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; and Matthew 19:26]?
5. What do you find remarkable about Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:25? How does it make you feel [cf. Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39-40; and Colossians 3:18-19]?
6. How does Jesus’ explanation found in Mark 12:26-27 give you hope for the future [cf. John 11:21-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; and 2 Timothy 1:10]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“Jesus Christ did not come into this world to make bad people good; he came into this world to make dead people live.” (Lee Strobel)
