“The Turning Point” (Mark 8:27-9:1)

THE TURNING POINT

(Mark 8:27-33)

 INTRODUCTION: How does truth often create new turning point?

I. WE MUST RECOGNIZE JESUS’ PERSON.

II. WE MUST REALIZE JESUS’ MISSION.

III. WE MUST RESPOND TO JESUS’ MERCY.

Questions for Family Review/Discussion:

1. What are some of the big changes that have occurred in our world in your lifetime? What big changes do you anticipate in the near future?
2. Can you think of a “turning point” in your life? Describe it.
3. For what TWO reasons did Jesus’ disciples eagerly follow him?
4. What is the main reason God gave miracles in the Bible?
5. What suggestions were the people making to explain Jesus’ great miracles? Who were they saying that Jesus was?
6. Who first suggested that Jesus was a resurrection John the Baptizer? Why would they think that Jesus was “Elijah”?
7. Peter was the first to declare his belief that Jesus was the Christ or Messiah? What was deficient from his confession of Jesus as the Messiah?
8. As the Christ, why did Jesus have to suffer, be rejected, by crucified, and then rise from the dead? If Jesus suffered for us, why do you think we also must join him in suffering?
9. What did Martin Luther mean by “the theology of glory”? How is this the opposite of the theology of the cross? What is the main difference?
10. In what ways are some churches today trying to follow the way of glory instead of the way of the church?
11. Why do we naturally prefer the way of glory to the way of the cross? What do we lose when we try to follow the way of glory?
12. How does the Apostle Paul’s own life contrast the way of glory with the way of the cross?