Grow Guide | Jan 28, 2024
One Easter One Mission
Reading: Mark 4:21-32
Connecting Questions
What’s a memorable life adventure that happened in the dark?
Who is like a “light” in your life? Why?
Prayer for Illumination
Eternal God, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in the new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever - the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Context
One Easter One Mission, as a community of believers we will come together to celebrate community and generosity. We will use those attributes to carry on the work of Jesus Christ. Studying the gospel of Mark we see how Jesus taught his disciples (and us) to bear fruit and live active lives of faith. Come explore the many opportunities to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ at Easter. So glad you are here!
From Pastor Paul Berge at EntertheBible.org:
The Gospel of Mark is about the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ, who is identified as one from Nazareth at his baptism, recognized as God’s Son by fearful demonic spirits, and proclaimed as the resurrected Lord by a young man in a white robe. In Jesus of Nazareth, crucified and risen, the reign and rule of God’s kingdom has come among us.
Look at the Book
Open to Mark 1. Reread Mark 1:1; why was this verse so important?
Jump to Mark 4. We pick up from last week. Is there any connection between verse 20 and 21?
Jesus moves from planting seeds to a lamp as the key image. Remember, lamps had open flames in that day. What danger is held in this story?
Different states have “sunshine laws.” What are they for?
Where do we need to shine more light in our world? Why?
Do you drive an automatic transmission or manual transmission vehicle? Why?
These parables balance what is our work and what is God’s work. God’s work is growing faith –in Greek, “automate” --what’s been a meaningful way to live out your faith?
Verse 24 is nerve wracking. What is Jesus saying here—especially knowing faith is a gift from God?
Read verse 26. What do you think the kingdom of God is like? How can we grow that here at Easter?
Read verse 31. Google a picture of a mustard seed and then what it’s like when full grown. What do you notice?
Verse 33-34 serve as a summary for the passage. What do you notice about those listening in verse 33. When has that been true in your life?
As we work towards one site as Easter, it gives us an opportunity to turn our energy towards our neighbor. What is one hope you have for the newly completed site? Visit easter.org/onesite to learn more.
We are called to be a shining lamp, a thriving branch, a ripe harvest. Which image from this passage connects with you most? Why?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
As you turn on sources of light this week, thank God for those who encourage you to follow Jesus.
Offer a word of encouragement to a neighbor, coworker, or Easter staff member this week.
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.