Behold The Lamb At the start of Jesus ministry, John the Baptist pointed at Jesus and said, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 1 These words contain a gracious invitation to look at Jesus and to see God s salvation. Many of us have done this at one time or another. We have reflected on Jesus work on the cross. We have rejoiced in the truth of an empty tomb. We have surrendered our lives to Jesus and experienced the forgiveness of sins and new life in him. And while all of this is good, as time passes, what was once good news can become old news. When this happens, we don t lose our salvation, but we can find we have lost a bit of the wonder and joy that comes with knowing Jesus. In other words, we can read about Jesus death and resurrection and think: There is nothing more for me to see in this story. The depth and complexity of Jesus means there is always something more to see if we gaze again. So in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday we are going to revisit the events surrounding Jesus death on the cross and his victorious resurrection from the grave. Our hope is that as we go through this familiar story, the eyes of your heart might be opened, either for the first time or the hundredth time, to see Jesus so that you are strengthened to comprehend God s great love for you. We pray this series helps you to behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Remember: there is always more to see in what you see. It continues to be our shared joy to teach God s word to God s people at Faith. Every Blessing, Charlie, Brad and Steve 1 John 1:29
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to Small Group Resources 1 Small Groups at Faith 3 Week 1 February 21 Anointed Mark 14:1-11 5 Week 2 February 28 Distressed Mark 14:32-42 7 Week 3 March 6 Betrayed Mark 14:43-52, 66-72 9 Week 4 March 13 Condemned Mark 15:1-15 11 Week 5 March 20 Crucified Mark 15:16-41 13 Week 6 March 27 Alive! Mark 16:1-8 15
INTRODUCTION TO SMALL GROUP RESOURCES Because no one is born into this world with a theology, each generation must rediscover the truths of Scripture for itself. Preaching the Bible is the primary tool God has given the church for this to take place. Small groups are the place where the preaching at Faith is applied and where our church is encouraged to live out the Scriptures. Members of Faith s small groups take time each week to discuss the previous Sunday s sermon, share specific insights from the Bible and care for one another so that as a church we grow up to maturity in Jesus. This study guide has been put together to give you an overview of our current sermon series so you know where we are going as a church and so you are prepared for great discussions in your small group. Here is an overview of what you will find for each week in this study guide: Main Passage This is the passage the teaching pastor will preach from. Secondary Passages These passages help to unpack and explain the main passage. Overview This is an overview of the main passage and an introduction to what will be discussed in small group this week. Opening Question This is a general question meant to spark conversation. Discussion Questions These are questions related to the Bible passages. Application Section These are questions and ideas for applying the Bible to your life. Table Time With Kids These are questions and ideas for families with kids. These materials are not meant to be a rigid formula for your small group, but rather a means for intentional study, discussion, and life application so that ultimately, as a church, we grow together to maturity in Jesus. We hope you find this helpful. 1
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What is a small group? Small groups are gatherings of people from Faith that meet regularly for friendship, prayer, and Bible study. Each small group is unique because it is shaped by the people who attend. However, you can expect a weekly gathering that involves conversation around the passage from the previous Sunday s sermon, participatory prayer, and time to connect relationally to the other people in your small group. At the heart of each small group is a desire to see a tight-knit community form that is marked by a growing love for Jesus and for the other small group members. Why should I join a small group? The God of the Bible exists eternally in community with himself. God has made us in his image, which means we are made for community and friendship with God and others. When we are not living in community we suffer because we are not all that we were made to be. Additionally, life in a sinful world is too complex and tempting to journey alone. Therefore, small groups are a place where we can connect in friendship with other people through the ups and downs of life. How do I get connected to a small group? The easiest way to get connected to a small group is to go to www.faithefc.org/small_group and fill out the online form. Our connection coordinator will contact you and help you connect with a small group. You can also sign up on Sunday by filling out the Bluebook and indicating your interest in joining a small group. Finally, if you would like to join a small group or if you are interested in leading a small group, you can call the church at 970-226-2095. 3
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Date: February 21 Title: Anointed Main Passage: Mark 14:1-11 Overview: Those of us who have experienced life with Jesus know the joy of being loved, forgiven and set free. We have the hope of heaven resting in our souls and the confidence that God will never leave us or forsake us. So how do we respond to this extraordinary love? Two words: extravagant devotion. In Mark 14:1 11 we see an example of extravagant devotion as a woman pours a jar of expensive ointment over Jesus head. We are not told why the woman responds to Jesus in this way, nor do we know what Jesus did in this woman s life to prompt this action. All we know is that, when given the opportunity, she responds to Jesus with an extravagant act of devotion. Although we don t know what the woman is thinking, we are told clearly what others think. They are upset and annoyed with what they see to be a waste of good resources. A little oil, perhaps, is fine; but to break open the whole jar seems extravagant and wasteful. And yet Jesus commends her actions. He calls it beautiful. He says it is to prepare for his burial. He promises that her actions will be remembered when the gospel is preached. This shows Jesus has knowledge of both his coming death and his triumph over death. He will die but good news will spring up from the grave. The woman s extraordinary devotion prompts us to ask: How are we responding to Jesus? Are we like this woman? Are we extravagant in our devotion? Do we realize who Jesus is and what he has done for us? The Bible is clear. Jesus is the Lamb of God who laid down his life to redeem us. He suffered so that we might be forgiven. He died so that we might live. He was separated from his Father so that we might be brought near. He experienced the wrath of God so that we might experience the love of God. He was cursed so that we could be blessed. He was wounded so that we could be healed. So how do we respond? We respond to his extraordinary love with extravagant devotion. Opening Question: What are some examples that you have seen of extravagant devotion? Discussion Questions: Read Mark 14:1-11. What sticks out to you from this passage? What takes place right before and right after Jesus anointing? Why is this significant? How does the woman respond to Jesus? 5
Why is Jesus worthy of this extravagant act of devotion? What does the woman s response to Jesus tell you about the condition of her heart? How do some of the people watching respond to the woman s devotion? What does their response tell you about the condition of their heart? What is Jesus response to the woman? What does Jesus response tell you about his heart? Application Section: What challenges or encourages you from Mark 14:1-11? Extravagant devotion flows from extraordinary love. In what ways has God loved you and provided for you in extraordinary ways? In what ways is Mark 14:1 11 a great example of the various ways people can respond to Jesus? As you look at your life right now, how would you describe the way that you are currently responding to Jesus? What things keep you from responding to Jesus with extravagant devotion? What would it look like for you to respond to Jesus with extravagant devotion? Easter Sunday reminds us of all that God did so that we could have free access to him. Because of this, Christians have used the weeks leading up to Easter to intentionally draw closer to God. Some have fasted during this time. Others have simplified life to have more moments in prayer. Others have read through the Biblical accounts of Jesus life, death and resurrection. Some have intentionally reached out to those in need. This week, identify one thing you will do to draw closer to God in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. Spend intentional time talking with God about this. Ask him if there is something he d like for you to do and be ready next week at small group to share. Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read Mark 14:1-11. What sticks out to you from this passage? Does God love you? Yes! God loves you very much. In what ways has God demonstrated his love for you? God demonstrates his love for you in many ways, but the clearest way is Jesus death on the cross. What is the natural response to God s love? We trust him and love him. Parents, this week brainstorm with your children what it looks like for them to love God. Help them to identify one thing they will do in the coming weeks to draw closer to God. Make sure it is clear to your children that access to God is a free gift we receive because of Jesus. 6
Date: February 28 WEEK #2 Title: Distressed Main Passage: Mark 14:32-42 Secondary Passages: Hebrews 4:14-16, John 16:32-33 Overview: Sometimes the hardships we face threaten to undo us. We pray for healing but the healing doesn t come. We seek restoration in our home, but our family falls apart. We do the right thing, but end up getting fired from our job. We try to steady our emotions but they continue to surge. And so the question becomes, what do we do in these dark moments? In Mark 14:32 42 we see Jesus prepare for the darkest moment of his life. In a few hours, Jesus will endure pain, humiliation and separation from his Father. He will be betrayed, beaten and crucified. He will be stripped naked and shamefully treated. A crown of thorns will be placed on his head and a rough purple robe will be thrown on his bleeding back. In preparation for his coming suffering, Jesus goes to a place on the Mount of Olives called the Garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane is a word that means oil press and most likely this was a place where olives were crushed for oil under the weight of a very heavy stone. Perhaps Jesus goes to this place because, like the olives, he is about to be crushed under the heavy weight of suffering and sorrow. In the garden Jesus allows his disciples to see his suffering. He tells them he is grieved with a sorrow that threatens his very life and he pleads with his Father to remove the coming pain. And although Jesus doesn t want to experience suffering, he stays surrendered to his Father s plans. In this we see Jesus unwavering confidence in the Father s goodness. It is important to notice that, in his darkest moment, Jesus must walk by faith alone. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus doesn t hear a voice breaking the silence to say, This is my Son, whom I love. There is no descending dove, ministering angel or encouraging friend. Jesus is alone, and in the darkness he must fight the temptation to doubt his Father s goodness and to choose his own will. In this difficult time, Jesus shows us how to walk through our difficult times. Additionally, Jesus willingness to go to the cross means that we can have hope when faced with great suffering. A better day is coming for us because Jesus suffered and overcame. Opening Questions: How do you usually respond to suffering? Do you try to control your circumstances? Do you feel overwhelmed and shut down? How effective has your approach been throughout your life? Discussion Questions: Read Mark 14:32-42. What sticks out to you from this passage? In this passage what things do you see Jesus do to prepare himself for the suffering he is about to face? 7
In what ways do you see Jesus demonstrate great faith as he prepares for his death? Jesus said to his heavenly Father, Not what I will, but what you will. What does this statement reveal about the relationship Jesus had with his heavenly Father? As you think of how Jesus faced the cross, what impact do you think this time of prayer had on his ability to face what he had to face? Jesus prepared himself before he went to the cross. Why do you think it s important to prepare for hard times? Application Section: What challenges or encourages you from Jesus time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane? Talk about a time when you suffered in some way, small or large. How did you respond? What did you learn from the experience? When life is going well, do you tend to plan and prepare for future challenges or just enjoy the moment? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your approach? Jesus had an unwavering confidence in his Father s goodness, even in a very dark time. Why is it difficult for people to remember the good things God has done in their lives when they re facing tough times? When have you prayed for God to help you (perhaps in your finances, marriage, parenting, dating, or health), only to not see him answer as you hoped? How did that affect your relationship with God? In what ways has suffering negatively or positively impacted your relationship with God? If you re struggling right now, what can you do this week to hold onto God s goodness? How can this small group support you? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read Mark 14:32-42. What sticks out to you from this passage? Did Jesus suffer? Yes. Jesus suffered very much. Will we suffer? Yes. There will be moments in this life when we experience hurt and heartache. What should we do when we suffer? We should express our sadness and use each difficulty as an opportunity to grow closer to God. What does Satan want to do in our lives when we suffer? Satan wants to use suffering to get us to doubt God s goodness. What does God want to do in our lives when we suffer? He wants to use suffering to deepen our dependence on him. 8
Date: March 6 WEEK #3 Title: Betrayed Main Passage: Mark 14:43-52, 66-72 Secondary Passages: John 21:15-19, James 5:15, 1 John 1:5-10 Overview: Have you ever been betrayed? If you have, you know the pain of seeing someone you love turn on you. This is precisely what Jesus experiences, but it isn t just one of his friends who turns on him. It is all of his friends. Judas is often considered the main betrayer. After all, he agrees to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver. And then, to add insult to injury, Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. But Judas isn t the only one to abandon Jesus. After Jesus is arrested, Mark tells us that all his friends leave him and flee. Then Peter, the friend who promised to stay faithful to the very end, gets scared and denies he knows Jesus, not once, but three times. Needless to say, Jesus friends aren t there for him when he needs them most. It can be hard for us to look at the failures of Jesus friends. The similarity between us and them sometimes hits a bit too close to home. But this is exactly why it is so important to examine Jesus betrayal. You see, Jesus doesn t allow the failures of his friends to define them. So after he rises from the grave, he reaches out to them with love, compassion, forgiveness and grace. He gives them an opportunity to restore the friendship. Most of them accept this forgiveness and live in friendship with Jesus for the rest of their lives. Sadly, Judas can't see a way back from his failure. He thinks his failure is greater than God s grace. So he takes his life. Judas is a sobering reminder of what happens when we allow our failures to define us. And the rest of the disciples are an invitation to come to Jesus with repentance so that we might experience restoration. Opening Question: Why do you think so many people allow their failures to define them? Discussion Questions: Read Mark 14:43 52, 66-72. What sticks out to you from this passage? Why do you think Jesus friends denied and betrayed Jesus? How does Peter respond when he fails? What does this reveal about his understanding of grace? How does Judas respond when he fails? What does this reveal about his understanding of grace? Read John 21:15 19. How does Jesus respond to Peter after he fails? What does this tell you about Jesus heart towards us when we fail? 9
Read James 5:15 and 1 John 1:5 10. According to these verses, what should we do when we fail? Application Section: In what ways are you tempted to betray/deny Jesus? What happens in your life when you think your failures are greater than God s grace? What happens in your life when you allow God s grace to define you? Talk about a time in your life when you failed. What did you try to do to make up for your failure? What can you do to cultivate a lifestyle of regular confession so that you can live in light of God s grace? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Will there be moments when we sin? Yes. Do we have to sin? No. Jesus provided the Holy Spirit to empower us to say no to sin. What should we do when we sin? We should confess our sin to Jesus and to other people and we live forgiven and free. Should we ever feel like our sin is greater than God s desire to forgive us? No. Our sin is never greater than God s desire to forgive us. Should you ever hide your sin or try to deal with it on your own? No. Always confess your sin so that you are known and loved by God and by others. 10
Date: March 13 WEEK #4 Title: Condemned Main Passage: Mark 15:1-15 Secondary Passages: Ephesians 2:4-5, Hebrews 4:16 Overview: After being arrested in Gethsemane, Jesus undergoes a series of six trials - three before the Jewish religious authorities and three before the Roman civic authorities. In these trials Jesus faces false accusations, abuse, disgrace, and dishonor. Yet Jesus walks through this time with great dignity, courage, and conviction. In Mark 15:1 15 we see Jesus final trial. This trial takes place before Pontius Pilate. Pilate was a Roman governor and his job was to keep peace within the territory he governed. Part of keeping the peace was executing judgement, and each governor was given a long leash to do what needed to be done to make sure peace was maintained. In other words, the governor was free to make his own rules and judgements as he saw fit. The Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pilate, because they don t have the authority to kill Jesus. They need Pilate to give the final word. So they bind Jesus and bring him to Pilate. It is clear from the text that Pilate doesn t believe Jesus deserves death. Mark tells us that Pilate perceived it was out of envy that the chief priest wanted Jesus killed. So Pilate tries to free Jesus by offering to release him. But the crowd doesn t want Jesus to be released. Instead, they demand the release of Barabbas, a man arrested for committing murder in an insurrection. Mark doesn t tell us all that goes through Pilate s mind other than that he wanted to satisfy the crowd. In other words, Pilate doesn t act out of his own convictions. Pilate wants to let Jesus go, but the crowd wants him crucified. So, Pilate caves to the crowd. He frees Barabbas and condemns Jesus to death by crucifixion. The crowd s choice is sad but significant. It is sad because Jesus, who has done nothing wrong, is sentenced to death, while Barabbas, a violent man, gets to go free. It is significant because the sentencing of Jesus and the freeing of Barabbas is a bold example of the gospel. After all, Barabbas is a rebel. He is a murderer. He deserves the cross. He deserves to be punished. Jesus, on the other hand, is innocent. He has done no wrong. He is the Son of God. And yet Jesus takes Barabbas place so that Barabbas can go free. This is precisely what Jesus does for all those who place their faith in him. He stands in our place. He takes our penalty. Jesus gets what we deserve and we get mercy, freedom, forgiveness and love. Opening Question: When have you seen someone get something they don t deserve? Discussion Questions: Read Mark 15:1-15. What sticks out to you from this passage? What does Pilate do in this passage? What does this tell you about him? 11
What does Jesus do in this passage? What does this tell you about him? The crowd calls for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus, but according to Acts 4:28 they did what God planned and predestined. What does this tell you about God and his love for us? In what ways is Barabbas an example of the gospel? Application Section: What challenges or encourages you from Mark 15:1-15? Read Ephesians 2:4 5 and Hebrews 4:16. How has God been rich in mercy to you? Spend time as a small group thanking Jesus for his mercy to you. Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read Mark 15:1-15. What sticks out to you from this passage? What does Pilate do in this passage? Pilate sentences Jesus to death. What happens to Barabbas in this passage? He is set free. Does Jesus fight when Barabbas is set free? No. He gives up his life so that Barabbas can go free. Does Jesus get what he deserves? No. Jesus is innocent. He should be set free. Does Barabbas get what he deserves? No. He deserves death, but he gets mercy. Parents, this week help your children understand that when they trust in Jesus they get mercy. Make a list with them of the many ways God is merciful to them. 12
Date: March 20 WEEK #5 Title: Crucified Main Passage: Mark 15:16-41 Secondary Passages: 1 Peter 2:23, Isaiah 53:1-12 Overview: We now come to perhaps the hardest section in the Bible to read. The death of Jesus is hard to look at, but it is too significant to ignore because of all that it accomplished. So let s consider what took place that fateful day. After being wrongfully condemned by Pilate, Jesus is forcefully taken by Roman soldiers and painfully tortured. A rough purple cloak is placed on his bleeding back. Then the soldiers twist a cruel crown of thorns and press it on his head. Next, they beat the thorns into his skull by hitting his head repeatedly with a wooden reed. Sadly, the torture doesn t stop at that point. After all of this, they spit on him, mock him, and then force Jesus to carry his cross to the place of execution. When they arrive at the place of execution, the soldiers strip Jesus of his clothes. Then they stretch out his hands and feet on a rough piece of wood and drive massive spikes through his tender flesh. On the cross Jesus exposed body begins to be burnt by the hot sun. Birds start to circle to feast on flesh and the Son of God struggles to gather air into his lungs. The humiliation continues as people walk by and hurl insults at their Creator. And then the greatest pain of all: the Father turns his face away and Jesus cries out in a loud voice, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Crucifixion was a terrible way to die. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia describes death by crucifixion like this: The wounds would swell about the rough nails, and the torn and lacerated tendons and nerves would cause excruciating agony. The arteries of the head and stomach would surcharge with blood and cause a terrific throbbing headache. The suffering was so frightful that even among the raging passion of war pity was sometimes excited. Perhaps the most staggering part of Jesus crucifixion is that it was planned by God the Father and embraced by God the Son. It was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief. 1 No one took Jesus life. He laid it down. 2 Herod, Pilate, the soldiers and the Jews did to Jesus whatever [God s] hand and plan had predestined to take place. 3 And what was the goal of this horrific suffering? Two things: Jesus glorification and our salvation. For Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God. 4 For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 5 And now 1 Isaiah 53:10 2 John 10:18 3 Acts 4:28 4 1 Peter 3:18 5 Hebrews 12:2 13
is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 6 Opening Question: What evidence do you see in our world that things are not the way they should be? Discussion Questions: Read Mark 15:16-41. What sticks out to you from this passage? Read Isaiah 53:1 12. What sticks out to you from this passage? In what ways did Jesus suffer? Why is it imperative for the salvation of mankind that Jesus suffer as he did and die? What does the curtain in the temple signify? What is the significance of it being torn from top to bottom when Jesus died? Application Section: What challenges, encourages or convicts you about Jesus suffering and death? Jesus died on the cross so that we could be saved. In what ways do you see your personal need for salvation? In what ways does the truth that Jesus died for you compel you to live for him? What have you personally learned about God from reflecting on Jesus death on the cross for you? As a small group, take communion and remember together Jesus death on the cross. Spend time praising Jesus for all that he did to save you. Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read Mark 15:16-41. What sticks out to you from this passage? Do we need salvation? Yes. Because of sin, our world is broken and every person begins life in rebellion against God. Why did Jesus die on the cross? He died to take the penalty for our sins. How can we be saved? Only by placing our faith in Jesus. What is faith in Jesus? Faith in Jesus is resting in him alone for salvation from sin. We can t earn God s forgiveness; we rest in Jesus, knowing he purchased forgiveness for us. 6 John 13:31 14
Date: March 27 WEEK #6 Title: Alive! Main Passage: Mark 16:1-8 Secondary Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 Overview: Jesus is dead. There is no doubt whatsoever about it. Everyone knows he is dead, from the centurion who oversaw the crucifixion to the people who placed Jesus lifeless body in the tomb. The people who put Jesus to death may have had various opinions about him, but one thing is certain. They all agree that he is dead. That is why the lie concocted to explain the empty tomb is not that Jesus didn t really die, but that his disciples stole his dead body. In short, Jesus died, and everyone everywhere knows it. And yet in Mark 16 we read that when the women come to anoint Jesus body for burial, they find an empty tomb and they hear good news: He is not here. He has risen. He is alive! The women respond to the news of the resurrection with trembling and astonishment. This seems to be an honest response. After all, the women expect a tomb filled with death and yet they come face to face with the news of a Risen Savior. God has been at work while they have been mourning. Good news is coming from the grave. After hearing this news, it makes sense to spend a few moments trembling and wondering. After all, this is what you do when you come face to face with the one thing that changes everything. And Jesus resurrection does change everything. It gives the disciples courage to live and love like Jesus. It offers them hope for today and confidence for tomorrow. So they begin to risk their lives so that others can know. Some of them even lose their lives for sharing the good news of Jesus triumph over the grave, which gives strength to their claims about the resurrection because who would give up their life for a lie? The resurrection of Jesus continues to change lives today. It awakens the power of an indestructible life in the lives of those who believe. It assures us of Jesus future work on our behalf. It empowers us for a life of obedience. It secures all the blessings he has promised us. And it means we can have hope and peace, regardless of what we face, because we know one day we will be united with him in a resurrection like his. 1 In short, the resurrection of Jesus changes everything for those who believe. Why? Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life. So whoever believes in him shall never die. 2 Opening Questions: Have you ever tried to change something in your life, that needed to change, through willpower alone? What happened? 1 Romans 6:5 2 John 11:25-26 15
Discussion Questions: Read Mark 16:1 8. What sticks out to you from this passage? In what ways do you see God at work in these verses? If you took God s work out of this story, what would the story be like? Why is the resurrection of Jesus central to Christianity? In the book of Acts we see that the disciples become very brave and some give their lives to tell others about Jesus resurrection. Why is this evidence that Jesus rose from the grave? Application Section: What challenges or encourages you about Jesus resurrection? Is it difficult for you to believe that, because of Jesus resurrection, you have the power to leave your sin behind you and that your life can change? Why or why not? In Romans 8:11 we are told that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in Jesus followers. In what ways has Jesus resurrection changed you? In what ways do you see the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead at work in your life? What would you like to see God supernaturally do in and through you in this next season of life? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read Mark 16:1 8. What sticks out to you from this passage? Is Jesus alive today? Yes! Why is it important to remember that Jesus is alive? Jesus resurrection means our lives can change. We can say no to sin. We can live full of hope and peace. 16