Scandal
Mark 2:13-17

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus only calls sinners.

II. Teaching
A. Jesus wants people to hear the gospel. Mark 2:13a; 1 Timothy 2:3-4
B. Jesus doesn’t turn people away. Mark 2:13b

III. Follow
A. Levi seemed like the least likely person to become a disciple. Mark 2:14a; Romans 4:17; Ephesians 2:1
B. Levi heard something he’d never heard before. Mark 2:14b

IV. Eating
A. Jesus invites sinners to dinner. Mark 2:15a
B. Christ’s followers eat with sinners. Mark 2:15b; Luke 18:9-14

V. Healthy
​A. Let Jesus judge you. Mark 2:16
B. Respond to Jesus calling. Mark 2:17

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s one of the best meals you’ve ever eaten? What made it so good?
• What’s something from Sunday’s message on Mark 2:13-17 you hope we talk about as a group?
• Why do you think people often compare themselves to others? What’s the danger in living this way?
• Read Luke 18:9-14. When do you find yourself relating the Pharisee in this story? When do you find yourself relating to the tax collector?
• Describe a specific instance or way in which God has enabled you to follow Him.
• Why do you think part of Jesus’ plan to change the world includes eating with people?
• Who’s someone you could pray for, listen to, or invite to dinner? Pray for one another.

Sabbath
Mark 2:18-28

I. Intro                                                                                                                                               
Big Idea: To know God’s rest, put Christ first.

II. Fasting                                                                                                                                       
A. We can’t win grace by works. Mark 2:18; Romans 11:6
B. We can fast because Christ was taken. Mark 2:19-20

III. New                                                                                                                                       
A. The gospel is mismatched with everything else. Mark 2:21; John 1:12 
B. The gospel breaks us. Mark 2:22 

IV. Lawful                                                                                                                                                 
A. Focusing on rules leads to unrest. Mark 2:23-24
B. Our Priest offers Himself. 1 Samuel 21:1-9; Mark 2:25-26; John 6:25-59

V. Rest                                                                                                                                                   
A. We’re made to rest in Christ. Mark 2:27 
B. Submit to the Lord. Mark 2:28; Galatians 5:22-23  

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• ​What’s something that revitalizes you? 
• What’s something from Sunday’s message on Mark 2:18-28 you hope we talk about as a group? 
• In what ways do traditionalism (traditions for the sake of traditions) and legalism (adding rules to God’s commands) lead to unrest? 
• How is the gospel incompatible with man-made religion? 
• Read Philippians 2:12. What does it look like to work out our salvation? 
• How has God given you rest through worship lately? 
• How can setting time aside to rest with God bring Him glory? 
• What’s something you can start doing or stop doing in response to Mark 2:18-28?

Restore
Mark 3:1-6

I. Intro
Big Idea: God sent Jesus to restore us.

II. Sabbath
A. Going to synagogue was the high point of their religious week. Mark 3:1
B. The Pharisees guarded the Sabbath instead of enjoying it. Mark 3:2

III. Stand Up
A. Jesus puts us on the spot. Mark 3:3
B. Jesus judges. Mark 3:4; Luke 13:10-17; John 3:17-21

IV. Hearts
A. Jesus gets angry. Mark 3:5a
B. Jesus has the power to restore. Isaiah 1:18; Mark 3:5b

V. Jesus
A. We either plot to kill Jesus or exalt Him as God. Mark 3:6
B. Tell the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15

​The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• How would you describe church to someone who’d never been before?
• What’s something from Sunday’s message on Mark 3:1-6 you found convicting, encouraging, or confusing?
• If someone feels spiritually dry, or like something is missing in his or her life – what advice would you give?
• Can you think of a specific instance when Jesus called you to do something beyond your comfort zone? What happened?
• Why do you think Jesus was so angry and distressed over the peoples’ stubbornness of heart?
• If you overheard the conversation between the Pharisees and the Herodians after synagogue that day, how would you respond?
• What’s something specific you’d like to see Jesus restore in your heart or life for His glory. Pray for one another.

Strength
Mark 3:7-34

I. Intro
Big Idea: Strength is found in responding to Jesus as Lord.

II. Crowd
A. Jesus’ presence brings healing. Mark 3:7-10
B. Jesus isn’t merely a good teacher. Mark 3:11-12; Hebrews 1:3

III. Appointed
A. Jesus calls us to Him. Mark 3:13; Luke 6:12; John 13:6-9
B. Jesus gave His disciples His authority. Mark 3:14-18; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

IV. Divided
A. Jesus was willing to be misunderstood. Mark 3:20-22
B. Jesus is stronger than whatever the enemy throws at us. Mark 3:23-30; 1 John 4:4

V. God’s Will
A. Our allegiance isn’t ultimately to our earthly ties. Mark 3:31-32
B. You are welcome into a new family. Psalm 27:10; Mark 3:33-35; Ephesians 3:14-21

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What was one of your favorite subjects in school? Why?
• If you had to give an abbreviated version of Sunday’s message on Mark 3:7-34, what would you make sure to focus on?
• Why do people say that Jesus was just a wise person or a good teacher?
• Why do you think Jesus’ family thought He was crazy?
• Why did the religious teachers say Jesus cast out demons by Satan’s power?
• Read Acts 1:14 and James 1:1. What do these verses help us to understand about how Jesus’ family eventual responded to Him? What changed?
• What’s a specific way submitting to Jesus as Lord has given you strength?
• How can you respond to Mark 3:7-34?