Politics
Mark 12:13-17

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus came to bring about true revolution.
 
II. The Truth
A. Opposition to God makes strange alliances. Psalm 2:1-3; Mark 12:13
B. Jesus silences flattering lips. Psalm 12:3; Mark 12:14a; John 2:24
 
III. Imperial Tax
A. Paying taxes is an act of submission. Mark 12:14b-15a
B. Jesus sees behind masks. Mark 12:15b
 
IV. Caesar’s
A. Jesus didn’t have a denarius. Mark 12:15b; Luke 4:5-7; John 19:11; Ephesians 2:2
B. Jesus isn’t threatened by other gods. Mark 12:16; Galatians 4:6
 
V. God’s
A. Serve out of worship to God. Matthew 5:38-40; Mark 12:17a; Romans 13:1-8; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
B. Be amazed at Jesus. Mark 12:17b

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s something about living in the United States for which you are thankful?
• What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
• Why are politics and religion such taboo topics for polite social gatherings?
• Is it possible for America to be a Christian nation? Explain.
• What was so revolutionary about Jesus’ simple statement in Mark 12:17… “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s”?
• Read Romans 13:1-8. How can submitting to the government or paying taxes be done as an act of worship?
• How can making politics secondary to Christ-centered unity help us to glorify God in our community?
• What’s something you could use prayer for? Pray for one another.  

​Tenants                                                                                                                                           
Mark 12:1-12

I. Intro                                                                                                                                            
Big Idea: God is a gracious Lord. 

II. Parable
A. God gives all we need. Isaiah 5:1-2; Matthew 6:33; Mark 12:1
B. We owe God worship. Mark 12:2; Revelation 4:11

III. Empty-Handed
A. We’ve all rejected God’s ownership. Isaiah 53-6; Mark 12:3-5; Hebrews 11:36-37
B. God sent us who is most precious to Him. Mark 12:6

IV. The Heir 
A. We’re deceived into thinking we can have ownership. Mark 12:7-8; 2 Corinthians 4:4
B. God is just. Matthew 21:41; Mark 12:9

V. The Cornerstone 
​A. Receive the cornerstone. Mathew 23:37-38; Mark 12:10-11
B. Jesus is LORD. Mark 12:12; Romans 10:13 

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• How many different houses, apartments, etc., have you lived in? 
• What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group? 
• Read Proverbs 3:5-7. Why do people have a hard time trusting God in all things? 
• What’s something the Bible teaches that you have a hard time accepting? 
• Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. How can being generous help us to have a right perspective on God’s ownership?   
• What’s something your time in quarantine been teaching you about God’s grace? 
• Who’s someone outside God’s family that you would like to see respond to His kindness? Pray for them and one another. 

Authority
Mark 11:27-33

I. Intro                                                                                                                                                                                         
Big Idea: We either live under Jesus’ authority or suppress the truth.

II.  In the Temple                                                                                                                                                                                                 
A. Jesus asserted His authority over the temple. Mark 11:27a; Acts 17:24; 1 Timothy 1:15
B. The authorities didn’t recognize Jesus. Mark 11:27b

III.  Answer Me                                                                                                                                                                                               
A.  The religious leaders thought they had authority. Mark 11:28
B. Jesus was secure in His authority. Mark 11:29; Ephesians 4:15  

IV. Origin                                                                                                                                                                                             
A. Jesus exposes our hypocrisy. Mark 11:30; John 1:29
B. The religious leaders didn’t want to know the truth. Mark 11:31-32

V. These Things                                                                                                                                                                                              
A. Agnosticism doesn’t exist. Mark 11:33a
B. Respond to what Jesus is telling you. Mark 11:33b; Hebrews 4:7

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s one of your favorite sources of information?
•  What’s something from Sunday’s message you found challenging, encouraging or confusing? 
• Why do you think people have trouble submitting to authority?
•  Why do you think Jesus spent so much time in His last week at the temple? 
• Why were the religious leaders so resistant to Jesus’ authority?
•  Is it possible to doubt God in a healthy way? Explain. 
• If you had a friend who was wrestling with doubt what would you tell him or her?
•  What’s something you could use prayer for? Pray for one another.

Fruit                                                                                                                                                            
Mark 11:12-25

I. Intro                                                                                                                                                    
Big Idea: Jesus wants us to bear good fruit in every season. Romans 12:2; James 1:17

II. Nothing but Leaves                                                                                                                                               
A. Jesus was fully God and fully man. Mark 11:12  
B. Jesus expects us to be fruitful. Mark 11:13-14; John 15:5

III. Overturned                                                                                                                                              
A. Jesus doesn’t compromise on God’s purposes. Mark 11:15-16; John 2:19;                         
1 Corinthians 3:16
B. We were made to pray. Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11; Mark 11:17

IV. Cursed                                                                                                                                                
A. We fear giving up control. Mark 11:18
B. Jesus keeps His word. Mark 11:20-21  

V. Have Faith                                                                                                                                                 
A. God’s grace can do the impossible. Mark 11:22-24
B. Forgiveness is the ultimate evidence of faith. Mark 11:25

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s one of your favorite fruits or vegetables?
• Why do you think Mark include this passage at this point in his gospel?
• How can church become a place that distracts people from God?
• How can our prayers help others to worship Christ?
• What’s something that once seemed impossible that God has made possible in your life?
• Why does Jesus insist that forgiving others accompany salvation?
• What’s a prayer request you have that only God can make possible? Pray for one another.    

Triumph                                                                                                                                                
Mark 11:1-11

I. Intro                                                                                                                                          
Big Idea: God will triumph.

II. Sent                                                                                                                                                   
A. Everything Jesus did proclaimed the gospel. Zechariah 14:3-4; Mark 11:1; John 11:1-16
B. Jesus proclaimed His Kingship. Genesis 49:9-12; Deuteronomy 21:3; 1 Samuel 6:7; Zechariah 9:9; Mark 11:2

III. Untying                                                                                                                                               
A. Jesus involves us in His works. Mark 11:3
B. The disciples obeyed before they understood. Mark 11:4-6

IV. Hosanna                                                                                                                                               
A. The people worshipped the right Person, for the wrong reasons. Mark 11:7-8; John 4:24
B. Blessings come to us because of God’s character. Mark 11:9-10

V.  Everything                                                                                                                                                
A. Go to God in genuine worship. Mark 11:11a
B. Experience Christ’s peace. Mark 11:11b; Philippians 4:7

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s one of your favorite holidays?
• What’s something from Sunday’s message you found challenging, encouraging, or confusing?
• Why do people desire spiritual benefits without desiring Jesus?
• Why did Jesus choose to clearly reveal His identity during the triumphal entry?
• Is it important that you believe in Jesus, not only as your Savior, but also the Savior of the world? Explain.
• Why do you think Jesus accepted the praise of the people, even though they did not accurately understand His messiahship?
• How can our obedience when we don’t fully understand make a difference?
• What’s a specific way you can worship Christ as King this week? Pray for one another.