He is Risen
Mark 16:1-8
​
I. Intro
Big Idea: The resurrection authenticates Christ’s words to us. John 2:22

II. After Sunrise
A. The women expected Jesus to be dead. Mark 16:1-2
B. The women had forgotten Jesus’ words. Matthew 16:21; Mark 16:2-3

III. The Tomb
A. God created the stone He rolled away. Mark 16:4
B. The witnesses to the resurrection did not collaborate. Mark 16:5

IV. Risen
A. Jesus’ tomb is still empty! Mark16:6
B. Jesus goes before us. Mark 16:7

V. Trauma and Ecstasy
A. Discipleship is messy. Mark 16:8a
B. This account is still unfolding. Mark 16:8b, 9-20

The Next Step

• What’s something that convinced you of the reality of the resurrection?
• Can you relate to the women’s’ lack of faith throughout Mark’s resurrection account? If so, how?
• How can we help others to know that Jesus’ resurrection occurred?
• How can Jesus’ resurrection encourage us in our struggles?
• Does the fact there’s controversy about including Mark 16:9-20 encourage or discourage your trust in the Bible as God’s Word? Why?
• What’s a specific way you can respond to Mark 16:1-6?

Crucified
Mark 15:21-47

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus was humiliated, rejected, and suffered death – to save us.

II. Humiliated
​A. Jesus’ death was meant to demoralize. Psalm 22:16-18; Mark 15:21-26
B. Jesus’ death delivers from shame. Mark 15:27-32; Luke 23:39-43

III. Rejected
A. Jesus’ death separated Him from God. Psalm 22:1; Habakkuk 1:13; Mark 15:33-34
B. Jesus’ death was complete. Mark 15:35-37; John 19:30

IV. Death
A. Jesus’ death opens the way to life. Mark 15:38-39
B. Jesus’ death can change us. Mark 15:40-45
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V. Preparation
A. We can’t out give God. Mark 15:46
B. Jesus died to bring you to God. Mark 15:47; 1 Peter 3:18

The Next Step

• What’s something you don’t like thinking about?
• Why do you think Mark only says, “And they crucified him…” in Mark 15:24 without any further explanation?
• If you got an opportunity to explain to someone why Jesus died, what would you say?
• What are reasons you’re thankful Jesus died for you?
• How has Jesus’ death in your place changed your life lately?
• How is the Holy Spirit calling you to respond to Mark 15:21-47?

Decision
Mark 15:1-20
I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus judges us. Acts 17:31

II. Plans
A. The Jewish leaders needed a Roman ruling to murder Jesus. Mark 15:1
​B. Jesus is the Lord of life. Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:2

III. The Custom
A. Barabbas was the kind of savior people want. Mark 15:6-8
B. Self-interest always rejects Jesus. Mark 15:9-11

IV. Committed
A. Jesus didn’t meet the crowd’s expectations. Mark 15:12-14
B. Pilate feared people more than God. Mark 15:15

V. Homage
A. Someday we will all bow before King Jesus. Mark 15:16-19; Philippians 2:9-11
B. Jesus came to save us. Mark 15:20; 1 Corinthians 4:2-4

The Next Step

• What’s something in your life right now that reminds you of God’s presence and faithful?
• When do you feel most compelled to pray?
• Why do you think people find it difficult to pray?
• How can seeking God and His will for us and others change our prayer lives?
• Read Hebrews 4:15. How can remembering that Jesus sympathizes with our weakness change our prayer lives?
• What’s a specific way you can respond to Mark 14:27-42?

Trials
Mark 14:53-72

I. Intro
​Big Idea: Self-confidence leads to disillusionment, but faith in Christ leads to deliverance.

II. False Testimony
A. Peter’s commitment was about him. Mark 14:53-54
B. Jesus testimony was flawless. Mark 14:55-59; John 2:19, 18:13

III. Condemned
A. Jesus had nothing to prove. Mark 14:60-61a
B. Jesus truthfully declared Himself our Judge. Daniel 7:13-14; Mark 14:61b-62

IV. Blasphemy
A. The high priest’s devotion was a show. Mark 14:63-64; John 3:1-21  
B. Jesus humbled Himself but would soon be exalted. Mark 14:65

V. Remember
A. Peter defended himself.  Matthew 26:73; Mark 14:66-71; Luke 22:61
B. Jesus restores. Matthew 16:18; Mark 14:72; Luke 22:32; John 1:42; Ephesians 5:27; 1 Peter 5:10 

The Next Step

• What’s something you do when you feel unjustly accused? How can self-confidence be dangerous? 
• Why was Jesus silent before His accusers? Can you relate to Peter in this story? If so, how? If not, why not? 
• Read Luke 22:32. How can Jesus use our past failures to help us minister to others? What’s something the Holy Spirit is calling you to do in response to Mark 14:53-72? 

Arrested
Mark 14:43-52

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus was arrested so we could be set free. John 8:32

II. Judas
A. Judas had a busy night. Mark 14:43a; John 13:27
B. The crowd came to illegally arrest Jesus as a criminal. Mark 14:43b

III. A Signal
A. Judas betrayed Jesus with fake affection. Mark 14:44-45
B. Peter waged a worldly war. Matthew 26:53; Mark 14:29, 46; Luke 22:38, 51; John 18:10

IV. Fulfilled
A. Jesus confronted injustice with truth. Isiah 53:12; Mark 14:48-49; Luke 22:37
B. Jesus stood alone. Mark 14:50

V. Following Jesus A. Good intentions are not enough. Mark 14:51-52; Luke 9:23
B. Jesus took our punishment. Isaiah 53:5; Romans 4:7

The Next Step

• As a kid what was the worst trouble you ever got in?
• What was something that stood out to you as important, convicting, or confusing about Mark 14:43-52?
• What does Peter’s cutting off the servant’s ear tell us about his mindset when Jesus was arrested?
• What are some clues that Jesus was in total control of His arrest?
• How has Jesus helped you to realize the limits of your personal power and depths of His salvation lately?
• How is the Holy Spirit leading you to respond to Mark 14:43-52?

​The Hour  
Mark 14:27-42

I. Intro
​Big Idea: We would all forsake Christ, if He were not forsaken for us.

II. Scattered
A. The Shepherd came to purify and regather His little ones. Zechariah 13:7; Mark 14:27-28
B. Failure is a hard, but effective teacher. Mark 14:29-31

III.Gethsemane
A. Jesus depended on God and others. Genesis 2:18; Mark 14:32-34
B. Jesus would not be holy if He were not averse to sin. Mark 14:35-36; Luke 22:44; Hebrews 5:7-8

IV. Asleep 
A. We cannot obey God in our flesh. Mark 14:37-38; Luke 22:45  
B. We have no way to justify ourselves. Mark 14:39-40

V. Delivered 
A. Jesus expects us to stay awake. Mark 13:37,14:41a
B. Jesus faced death in victory. Mark 14:41b-42 And because He did, so can we! 

The Next Step

• What’s something in your life right now that reminds you of God’s presence and faithful?
• When do you feel most compelled to pray?
• Why do you think people find it difficult to pray?
• How can seeking God and His will for us and others change our prayer lives?
• Read Hebrews 4:15. How can remembering that Jesus sympathizes with our weakness change our prayer lives?
• What’s a specific way you can respond to Mark 14:27-42?

Prepared
Mark 14:12-26

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus prepared a meal for us at God’s table.

II. Customary
A. God planned the Passover. Mark 14:12; Hebrews 10:14
B. Jesus planned to eat the Passover with His disciples. Mark 14:13-16

III. Woe
​A. Someone close to Jesus betrayed Him. Psalm 41:9; Mark 14:17-20; John 13:18
B. There’s something worse than death. Mark 14:21; John 13:27; Romans 7:24-25; Hebrews 10:28-30

IV. Given
A. Jesus gave Himself. Mark 14:22; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
B. Even Judas drank from the cup. Mark 14:23-24; 1 Corinthians 11:25, 27; Hebrews 10:4

V. New
A. Jesus knew He would overcome death. Mark 14:25
B. The cross comes before glory. Mark 14:26; Hebrews 12:2

The Next Step

• What’s something you miss about church potlucks?
  
• How does Mark 14:12-26 prepare us for what unfolds in the rest of Mark?
  
• What’s the difference between having empathy and having sympathy for Judas?
  
• Why is self-examination important before taking communion?
  
• How is God leading you to respond to Mark 14:12-26?

Beautiful
Mark 14:1-11

I. Intro
Big Idea: The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love. Galatians 5:6

II. Scheming
A. People love darkness. Mark 14:1; John 3:19
B. The religious leaders feared people. Mark 14:2; Romans 1:24

III. Expensive
A. Mary knew Jesus’ true worth. Mark 14:3; John 12:3
B. Darkness hates genuine faith. Mark 14:4-5; John 12:4-6; 15:8

IV. Prepare
A. Jesus exalts the humble. Matthew 23:12; Mark 14:6-7; Colossians 1:13
B. Mary exalted Jesus as King. Mark 14:8-9

V. Opportunity
A. Jesus knows and judges our intentions. Psalm 44: Mark 14:10
B. Jesus paid for our betrayal. Mark 14:11

The Next Step

• Right now, who do you identify most with in this passage? Why?
  
• What’s something that goes through your mind when you see people taking great steps of faith?
  
• How do you think Mary felt when the disciples rebuked her for her devotion?
  
• How do you think Mary felt when Jesus praised her for her act of faith?
  
• What’s a specific way you can respond to what God has revealed to you through Mark 14:1-11?