Something That Needs to be Said
I. An EMOTIONAL roller coaster for PETER. (v.27-33)
A. A BOLD response to Jesus’ QUESTION. (v.29)
B. A REBUKE that gets REBUKED. (v.32-33)
We know that Mark took much of his gospel for stories he heard from Peter. If I was Peter this one might be the one I would have left out. But the Spirit knew that you and I needed this story because it’s not just about Peter…it’s about us.
1. Kid’s Question: When have you gotten in trouble or been embarrassed in front of people? What was that like for you?
2. What do you think Peter felt as this initial scene played out? Why do you think Jesus’ response was so harsh?
II. The METHOD of Jesus’ MESSAGE. (v.27-38)
A. The SAFETY of a little SPACE/DISTANCE. (v.27-28)
B. The move to up CLOSE and PERSONAL. (v.29)
C. Giving CLARIFICATIONS and IMPLICATIONS. (v.30-38)
Jesus gives a masterclass on how to let the truth he is speaking sink in to the hearts of his listeners. He starts with a generic question, but doesn’t let the disciples stay in the abstract. He probes deeper to the personal…even if the truth is going to hurt.
3. What are some safe distance questions that we can ask people to engage what they think about faith and spirituality? How willing are you to have these conversations?
4. When have you sensed Jesus getting “up close and personal” with you own life? How did you respond?
5. What do you think it means to “deny yourself”? What might it look like in your life?
III. What our BAPTISM says to the WORLD. (Gal. 3:26-27; Eph. 3:10-11)
A. Our LIFE has been REORIENTED around Jesus. (v.34; Rom. 6:3-4)
B. This shapes our THINKING, PRIORITIES, and GOALS. (v.33-36; Mk. 1:15)
C. Less “ARRIVAL” and more a LEARNING journey. (v.32-34; Heb 12:1-3)
D. Being INCORPORATED into the BODY . (I Cor. 12:12-14)
We’ve seen a baptism take place today. This is a tangible expression of the call of Jesus, especially in verses 34 and following. But what does this mean? What are we saying when we get dunked under the water? And who are we saying it too?
6. How can we know if our lives are being “reoriented” around Jesus? What are the signs that it might be (or might not be)?
7. How important to you is the reality that you are a part of the body of Christ? What specifically does that mean to you?
8. What do you think God might be saying to you through this text this week? How will you respond?