“What It’s All About” (Mark 9:30-41)

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

(Mark 9:30-32)

INTRODUCTION: What is the biblical faith all about?

I. WE MUST HONOR THE SON OF MAN.

II. WE MUST ENTRONE THE SON OF MAN.

III. WE MUST REJOICE IN THE VICTORY OF THE SON OF MAN.

Questions for Family Review/Discussion:

1. Do you think it is wrong to deceive other people when it comes to a surprise party? Why or why not? How would your justification apply in other situations of untruthfulness?
2. What is the bottom-line goal of every business? How might this be compatible with its publicly stated purpose? How does this differ from a non-profit?
3. What did the outward purpose of Jesus’ ministry seem to be? How was this different from what he privately told his disciples? How can we explain the rational for the difference in the external and internal purposes?
4. Why is the call to suffer with Christ essential to the gospel? Why would anyone find this call attractive? What does this tell us about the need for prayer?
5. Why do you think were Jesus’ disciples so incapable of hearing his message? What were they more interested in discussing or disputing? Why?
6. Explain: “Serving others is not the way to greatness. Service is the greatness.”
7. What are some differences that divide Christians today? Which of these are of true importance? What should be the line for necessary division in the church? Does this mean that all minor distinctives should be discarded?  Why or why not?
8. By including the story in vss. 38-41, who might Mark have in mind specifically?
9. Discuss some traditions and practices of other churches or of the church in other lands that we might find unusual. How do we evaluate them biblically?
10. What does the word “catholic” mean as used in the Apostles’ Creed? In what ways might we more faithfully live out the true catholicity of our faith?