The First Disciples
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Small Group Discussion Guide
The First Disciples
Mark 1:16-28
OPENING PRAYER & ICEBREAKER
Icebreaker Question: What's one thing you've committed to in your life (a job, relationship, hobby, etc.) without fully knowing what you were getting into? How did that turn out (could be good, bad, or both)?
RECAP & KEY SCRIPTURE
Main Passage: Mark 1:16-28
Central Message: The kingdom of God looks like apprenticeship to Jesus, a new purpose with Jesus, and leaving things behind for Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. On-Demand Jesus vs. Apprenticeship
Pastor Mike contrasted "Jesus on-demand" with true apprenticeship. Which approach do you think is more common in American Christianity today? Why?
In what areas of your life are you most tempted to treat Jesus as "on-demand" rather than as Lord?
What would need to change in your daily routine if you truly lived as an apprentice to Jesus?
2. The Call to Follow
Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John left everything "immediately" to follow Jesus. What do you think enabled them to respond so quickly?
How does knowing that "what you leave will never be as great as what you gain" change your perspective on sacrifice?
3. A New Purpose
Jesus said, "I will make you fish for people." How does this shift the focus from self to others?
What does it mean practically for your life to be "others-focused" in the kingdom of God?
Where has God placed you (work, neighborhood, family) to "fish for people"? What could loving others in Jesus’ name look like in those environments?
4. Trust Without Full Understanding
The disciples didn't know everything they would face when they said yes to Jesus. Why do you think Jesus chose not to disclose every detail before calling them to follow Him?
Share a time when you had to trust God without knowing the outcome. What did you learn?
What current situation in your life requires you to trust Jesus even though you don't have all the answers?
5. The Authority of Jesus
In the synagogue, Jesus demonstrated His authority over both religious systems and spiritual forces. How does knowing Jesus has ultimate authority affect how you face challenges?
What "authorities" in your life (cultural expectations, peer pressure, fear, etc.) compete with Jesus' authority?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Apprenticeship to Jesus means learning to live like Him, not just learning about Him
A new purpose with Jesus shifts our focus from self-centered to others-focused living
Leaving things behind for Jesus is required, but what we gain far exceeds what we lose
The authority of Jesus means nothing we face is bigger than the One we follow
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
This Week's Challenge:
Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:
Option 1: Fish for People –– Intentionally engage one person this week with the love of Christ—through a conversation, act of service, or invitation to explore faith.
Option 2: Study Jesus' Teaching –– Read through Mark 1-3 this week and write down one thing Jesus says or does that challenges your current thinking or lifestyle.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL JOURNALING
If I'm honest, is my relationship with Jesus more like "on-demand" or apprenticeship? What evidence supports this?
What am I afraid of losing if I fully surrender to Jesus as Lord?
What would my life look like if I truly believed Jesus' authority is greater than any challenge I face?
CLOSING PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for courage to follow Jesus fully, not just conveniently
Pray for clarity about what Jesus is asking each person to leave behind
Pray for opportunities to "fish for people" and share the kingdom of God
Pray for faith to trust Jesus even when we don't understand the full plan
LEADER NOTES
Be prepared to share your own struggles with "on-demand" Christianity to create a safe space for honesty
Emphasize that Jesus meets us where we are but loves us too much to leave us there
Remind the group that discipleship is a journey—we're all learning to follow more closely
Consider having the group memorize Mark 1:17 together: "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people"
For Next Week: Read Mark 1:29-45 in preparation for the next discussion
The First Disciples
Mark 1:16-28
OPENING PRAYER & ICEBREAKER
Icebreaker Question: What's one thing you've committed to in your life (a job, relationship, hobby, etc.) without fully knowing what you were getting into? How did that turn out (could be good, bad, or both)?
RECAP & KEY SCRIPTURE
Main Passage: Mark 1:16-28
Central Message: The kingdom of God looks like apprenticeship to Jesus, a new purpose with Jesus, and leaving things behind for Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. On-Demand Jesus vs. Apprenticeship
Pastor Mike contrasted "Jesus on-demand" with true apprenticeship. Which approach do you think is more common in American Christianity today? Why?
In what areas of your life are you most tempted to treat Jesus as "on-demand" rather than as Lord?
What would need to change in your daily routine if you truly lived as an apprentice to Jesus?
2. The Call to Follow
Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John left everything "immediately" to follow Jesus. What do you think enabled them to respond so quickly?
How does knowing that "what you leave will never be as great as what you gain" change your perspective on sacrifice?
3. A New Purpose
Jesus said, "I will make you fish for people." How does this shift the focus from self to others?
What does it mean practically for your life to be "others-focused" in the kingdom of God?
Where has God placed you (work, neighborhood, family) to "fish for people"? What could loving others in Jesus’ name look like in those environments?
4. Trust Without Full Understanding
The disciples didn't know everything they would face when they said yes to Jesus. Why do you think Jesus chose not to disclose every detail before calling them to follow Him?
Share a time when you had to trust God without knowing the outcome. What did you learn?
What current situation in your life requires you to trust Jesus even though you don't have all the answers?
5. The Authority of Jesus
In the synagogue, Jesus demonstrated His authority over both religious systems and spiritual forces. How does knowing Jesus has ultimate authority affect how you face challenges?
What "authorities" in your life (cultural expectations, peer pressure, fear, etc.) compete with Jesus' authority?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Apprenticeship to Jesus means learning to live like Him, not just learning about Him
A new purpose with Jesus shifts our focus from self-centered to others-focused living
Leaving things behind for Jesus is required, but what we gain far exceeds what we lose
The authority of Jesus means nothing we face is bigger than the One we follow
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
This Week's Challenge:
Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:
Option 1: Fish for People –– Intentionally engage one person this week with the love of Christ—through a conversation, act of service, or invitation to explore faith.
Option 2: Study Jesus' Teaching –– Read through Mark 1-3 this week and write down one thing Jesus says or does that challenges your current thinking or lifestyle.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL JOURNALING
If I'm honest, is my relationship with Jesus more like "on-demand" or apprenticeship? What evidence supports this?
What am I afraid of losing if I fully surrender to Jesus as Lord?
What would my life look like if I truly believed Jesus' authority is greater than any challenge I face?
CLOSING PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for courage to follow Jesus fully, not just conveniently
Pray for clarity about what Jesus is asking each person to leave behind
Pray for opportunities to "fish for people" and share the kingdom of God
Pray for faith to trust Jesus even when we don't understand the full plan
LEADER NOTES
Be prepared to share your own struggles with "on-demand" Christianity to create a safe space for honesty
Emphasize that Jesus meets us where we are but loves us too much to leave us there
Remind the group that discipleship is a journey—we're all learning to follow more closely
Consider having the group memorize Mark 1:17 together: "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people"
For Next Week: Read Mark 1:29-45 in preparation for the next discussion
Posted in Follow The King