Authority | Prayer | Mission
Small Group Guide: Authority | Prayer | Mission
Mark 1:21-45
Opening Prayer
Begin your time together by asking God to open hearts and minds to what He wants to teach through this passage.
Icebreaker
Share about a time when you experienced overwhelming demand on your time and energy. How did you respond? What did you prioritize?
Review the Key Scripture
Read Mark 1:21-45 together as a group. Consider having different people read different sections.
Key Takeaways from the Sermon
Jesus has authority over both the spiritual and physical realms - He drives out darkness and heals bodies
Jesus chose prayer and dependency on God over popularity - Even when exhausted, He prioritized time with the Father
Jesus chose obedience over popularity - He walked away from crowds to fulfill His true mission
Jesus didn't come just to remove symptoms; He came to make people clean - His mission was redemption, not just relief
Jesus moves toward our brokenness, not away from it - He touches the untouchable
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Text
1. What does it mean that Jesus taught "with authority" (exousia - supernatural authority)? How was this different from the teachers of the law?
2. Why is it significant that Jesus went to Peter's house for dinner immediately after the synagogue incident? What does this tell us about Jesus?
3. The leper asked, "If you are willing, you can make me clean" - not "if you are able." What's the difference? Why does this matter?
Personal Reflection
4. When have you experienced Jesus's authority over darkness or brokenness in your own life? Share your story.
5. The sermon emphasized "pray first." What typically prevents you from praying first when you face overwhelming situations? What would it look like to make prayer your first response this week?
6. Jesus walked away from unfinished ministry and crowds to fulfill His true mission. Have you ever felt God calling you away from something "good" to pursue something better? How did you respond?
Going Deeper
7. The leper was physically unclean and excluded from society. The demon-possessed man was spiritually unclean but included in the synagogue. In what ways do we sometimes "clean ourselves up" before coming to Jesus? Why do we do this?
8. "Even the healed will one day die again." How does this truth help us understand why Jesus sometimes doesn't heal in the way we ask? How do we hold both Jesus's power to heal AND His sovereign choice in tension?
9. The man at Costco had accomplished all his goals but still felt empty. What are the "Rolex watches" or "trips to Hawaii" that our culture says will satisfy us? How does Jesus offer something different?
Application
The leper came to Jesus saying, "If you will, make me clean." What area of your life needs Jesus's cleansing touch right now? Are you willing to come to Him as you are?
Jesus was "moved with compassion" (or indignation) at the brokenness sin caused. How can we cultivate this same righteous compassion for the broken world around us?
Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge (Choose One or More)
For Personal Growth:
Practice "Pray First": Before checking your phone, responding to a crisis, or making a decision this week, stop and pray first. Keep a journal of how this changes your perspective.
Solitude with God: Follow Jesus's example by waking up early (or finding a quiet time) to spend uninterrupted time with God. Start with just 15 minutes if needed.
Honest Assessment: Write down areas where you feel "unclean" or disqualified. Then read Mark 1:40-42 and personalize Jesus's words: "I am willing. Be clean."
For Community:
Touch the Untouchable: Jesus touched the leper when no one else would. Who in your life is isolated or excluded? How can you reach out to them this week?
Share Your Story: Like Peter telling Mark about his mother-in-law's healing, share with someone this week about a time Jesus demonstrated His authority in your life.
For Spiritual Discipline:
Memorize Mark 1:15: "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"
Study Jesus's Authority: Throughout the week, read through Mark chapters 2-5 and note every time Jesus demonstrates authority. What patterns do you see?
Reflection Exercise
Take 5 minutes of silence for personal reflection:
"Everybody is looking for Jesus, even if they don't realize it."
What have you been looking to for satisfaction besides Jesus?
Where do you need to experience Jesus's cleansing authority right now?
What does it look like for you to come to Jesus "as you are" this week?
Share with one other person if comfortable.
Prayer Time
Prayer Prompts:
Adoration: Thank Jesus for His authority over darkness, disease, and death
Confession: Confess areas where you've sought satisfaction in things other than Jesus
Petition: Ask for cleansing in specific areas of your life
Intercession: Pray for those in your life who are "looking for Jesus" but don't know it yet
Consider praying in groups of 2-3, or have someone lead the group in prayer touching on each of these areas.
Looking Ahead
Next Week: Continue in the Gospel of Mark (Chapter 2)
Homework: Read Mark chapter 2 before next week's gathering. Note any questions or observations to discuss.
Closing Thought
"Jesus does not recoil from our brokenness. He reaches out and touches us and moves towards us and cleanses us. When we follow Him and trust Him as our Savior, we are not just helped, we are made clean."
Leader Notes
Be sensitive to those who may be struggling with unanswered prayers for healing.
Create space for honest questions about why Jesus heals some and not others.
Emphasize that doubt and hard questions are welcome.
Have tissues available - this topic may bring up emotional responses.
Consider having the prayer team available after the group for anyone who wants additional prayer.
Follow up during the week with anyone who shared something particularly vulnerable.
Mark 1:21-45
Opening Prayer
Begin your time together by asking God to open hearts and minds to what He wants to teach through this passage.
Icebreaker
Share about a time when you experienced overwhelming demand on your time and energy. How did you respond? What did you prioritize?
Review the Key Scripture
Read Mark 1:21-45 together as a group. Consider having different people read different sections.
Key Takeaways from the Sermon
Jesus has authority over both the spiritual and physical realms - He drives out darkness and heals bodies
Jesus chose prayer and dependency on God over popularity - Even when exhausted, He prioritized time with the Father
Jesus chose obedience over popularity - He walked away from crowds to fulfill His true mission
Jesus didn't come just to remove symptoms; He came to make people clean - His mission was redemption, not just relief
Jesus moves toward our brokenness, not away from it - He touches the untouchable
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Text
1. What does it mean that Jesus taught "with authority" (exousia - supernatural authority)? How was this different from the teachers of the law?
2. Why is it significant that Jesus went to Peter's house for dinner immediately after the synagogue incident? What does this tell us about Jesus?
3. The leper asked, "If you are willing, you can make me clean" - not "if you are able." What's the difference? Why does this matter?
Personal Reflection
4. When have you experienced Jesus's authority over darkness or brokenness in your own life? Share your story.
5. The sermon emphasized "pray first." What typically prevents you from praying first when you face overwhelming situations? What would it look like to make prayer your first response this week?
6. Jesus walked away from unfinished ministry and crowds to fulfill His true mission. Have you ever felt God calling you away from something "good" to pursue something better? How did you respond?
Going Deeper
7. The leper was physically unclean and excluded from society. The demon-possessed man was spiritually unclean but included in the synagogue. In what ways do we sometimes "clean ourselves up" before coming to Jesus? Why do we do this?
8. "Even the healed will one day die again." How does this truth help us understand why Jesus sometimes doesn't heal in the way we ask? How do we hold both Jesus's power to heal AND His sovereign choice in tension?
9. The man at Costco had accomplished all his goals but still felt empty. What are the "Rolex watches" or "trips to Hawaii" that our culture says will satisfy us? How does Jesus offer something different?
Application
The leper came to Jesus saying, "If you will, make me clean." What area of your life needs Jesus's cleansing touch right now? Are you willing to come to Him as you are?
Jesus was "moved with compassion" (or indignation) at the brokenness sin caused. How can we cultivate this same righteous compassion for the broken world around us?
Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge (Choose One or More)
For Personal Growth:
Practice "Pray First": Before checking your phone, responding to a crisis, or making a decision this week, stop and pray first. Keep a journal of how this changes your perspective.
Solitude with God: Follow Jesus's example by waking up early (or finding a quiet time) to spend uninterrupted time with God. Start with just 15 minutes if needed.
Honest Assessment: Write down areas where you feel "unclean" or disqualified. Then read Mark 1:40-42 and personalize Jesus's words: "I am willing. Be clean."
For Community:
Touch the Untouchable: Jesus touched the leper when no one else would. Who in your life is isolated or excluded? How can you reach out to them this week?
Share Your Story: Like Peter telling Mark about his mother-in-law's healing, share with someone this week about a time Jesus demonstrated His authority in your life.
For Spiritual Discipline:
Memorize Mark 1:15: "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"
Study Jesus's Authority: Throughout the week, read through Mark chapters 2-5 and note every time Jesus demonstrates authority. What patterns do you see?
Reflection Exercise
Take 5 minutes of silence for personal reflection:
"Everybody is looking for Jesus, even if they don't realize it."
What have you been looking to for satisfaction besides Jesus?
Where do you need to experience Jesus's cleansing authority right now?
What does it look like for you to come to Jesus "as you are" this week?
Share with one other person if comfortable.
Prayer Time
Prayer Prompts:
Adoration: Thank Jesus for His authority over darkness, disease, and death
Confession: Confess areas where you've sought satisfaction in things other than Jesus
Petition: Ask for cleansing in specific areas of your life
Intercession: Pray for those in your life who are "looking for Jesus" but don't know it yet
Consider praying in groups of 2-3, or have someone lead the group in prayer touching on each of these areas.
Looking Ahead
Next Week: Continue in the Gospel of Mark (Chapter 2)
Homework: Read Mark chapter 2 before next week's gathering. Note any questions or observations to discuss.
Closing Thought
"Jesus does not recoil from our brokenness. He reaches out and touches us and moves towards us and cleanses us. When we follow Him and trust Him as our Savior, we are not just helped, we are made clean."
Leader Notes
Be sensitive to those who may be struggling with unanswered prayers for healing.
Create space for honest questions about why Jesus heals some and not others.
Emphasize that doubt and hard questions are welcome.
Have tissues available - this topic may bring up emotional responses.
Consider having the prayer team available after the group for anyone who wants additional prayer.
Follow up during the week with anyone who shared something particularly vulnerable.
Posted in Follow The King