Category: Sermons

Sermon Details:

This week we continue our study in Mark, with the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree and clearing the temple. There is a strong warning in this passage as we look at our own lives. It raises the question for each of us- “Am I bearing real fruit, or just leaves?”

Questions for Discussion:

1. Why Does Mark intentionally link the stories about Jesus in the temple and his cursing of the fig tree?

2. What are some ways that you have seen economic gain come before worship in the church?

3. In what ways can our own unfaithfulness hurt others? Can we always see this?

4. Why is it important to understand that Jesus is the temple, as well as those who are joined to him by faith?

5. Do you feel convicted about anything from today’s sermon? What could you do about that?

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This week it is Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Then as now, people tend to believe in the Jesus that they expect. This is often greatly influenced by the values of the culture around them. But Jesus comes as the true messiah who was promised by God and the messiah we actually need.

Questions for reflection:

• What ways do you think our western culture tends to believe about who Jesus is?

• How has your view of Jesus been shaped by your past? Has your view of him been refined or changed over time?

• Why is it important to understand Jesus on his own terms?

• How can we seek to be like Jesus instead of making Jesus like us?

• How can we avoid reading the bible in an overly biased way, seeing what we expect to see, rather than what is there?

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We are continuing our series in the book of Mark this week, and are looking at the story of Blind Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus gives us an example of what trust looks like but the story especially shows us the merciful character of Christ.

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Questions for Discussion:

1. Is Bartimaeus an example of faith for us? How? Why do we need to be careful with seeking to follow examples in Scripture?
2. Why can we be tempted to treat people as less than us when they are sick or have other struggles?
3. How would the events in this passage encourage James and John?
4. What steps do you need to take in order to follow Jesus more faithful, and rest in his mercy? Are you willing to take them?

Mark 10:46-52 (ESV)

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

⁴⁶ And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. ⁴⁷ And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸ And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹ And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” ⁵⁰ And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. ⁵¹ And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” ⁵² And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

This week we are getting back into the Gospel according to Mark. Mark’s gospel was written to justify and explain why Jesus has the right to call everyone to repentance, faith, and discipleship. In the first 8 chapters, Jesus established his authority through his ministry that is mostly in Galilee. Chapters 8-10 describe Jesus on the way to Jerusalem and the cross. This morning we are looking at Jesus teaching about servant leadership.

Questions for Discussion:

1. How can we tell if we are self-centred in our service?
2. What did the disciples misunderstand about who Jesus was? What do many people today misunderstand about who Jesus was?
3. In what ways do you think we can be tempted to follow the world with regards to leadership in the church?
4. How does Jesus example change the way we should think about greatness?
5. Is there a problem with doing good things for the wrong reasons? Why?

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