“Authority, Mercy, Glory” (Mark 7:31-37)
AUTHORITY, MERCY, GLORY
(Mark 7:31-37)
INTRODUCTION: Why follow Jesus?
I. TRUST IN HIS SUPREME AUTHORITY.
II. REST IN HIS TENDER MERCY.
III. EXULT IN HIS SURPASSING GLORY.
Questions for Family Review/Discussion:
- Besides the Bible, name one of your favorite books. Why do you like that book?
- Why should someone follow Jesus? What is so great about Jesus? Be sure to think not only of the benefits, but also what is superior about Jesus’ character that makes him worth following.
- Why was Jesus avoiding Galilee? What might happen if he returned there?
- How had Jesus most likely have become known in the region of the Decapolis? What great event had happened there? (See Mark 5:1-20, esp. vs. 20)
- How do you explain the strange fact that Jesus healed some but not all? What was the purpose of his healing miracles? What is our main problem?
- What explains Jesus’ actions in taking the man aside, putting his fingers in his mouth, and touching his tongue? Some might construe this as “magic.” Why is it necessarily NOT magic?
- Explain: “Spiritually speaking, the ear-gate is preferred over the eye-gate.” Why do you think this is so?
- Why does Mark include the important detail that Jesus “sighed”? Why should we take this news as very encouraging?
- If the people brought this disabled man to Jesus, why were they so astonished when Jesus actually healed him? How does this show Jesus’ surpassing glory? Why are you not more joyous and excited about this truth?
- How much do you contemplate on the coming kingdom of Christ where all will be imperishable and immortal, including you? What do you think will lead you to hope more in this greatest promise?