The "Powerless" will Reign

Gospel of Mark: Kingdom Invasion

Week #10: The “Powerless” Will Reign

VIDEO INTRODUCTION

n an upside-down kingdom full of paradoxes, who gets to rule? Well, it’s not necessarily the powerful according to this world, though they are not eliminated if they follow the ways of the kingdom. In this chapter we see that those who come with empty hands, trusting in God for their status and resources, are the ones who participate in kingdom power and authority.    

READ Mark 10

• A common theme in this chapter is that God’s kingdom is about trusting Him and not ourselves or our own resources and power. Do you think this theme has any application to Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce (Mark 10:1-12)?  If so, how?

• In the ancient world (and in parts of the world today), children generally had very little status or rights. What do you think it means to receive the kingdom like a little child (10:13-16)?

• In Mark 10:17-22, what does this man have going for him?

• Someone who observed the law and had great wealth would have been seen as a man blessed by God and pleasing to Him. Why do you think Jesus offers a different perspective?

• How do Jesus’ words in 10:27 address the difficulty or impossibility of the rich (or anyone; see 10:24) to enter the kingdom of God?

• While those who trust in their own resources (wealth and righteousness) are excluded from the kingdom of God, what awaits those who put their trust in Jesus and follow him (10:28-31)?

• What does Mark 10:35-45 teach us about power and authority in God’s kingdom?

TAKE AWAY

• How difficult is it for you to surrender your own will to God’s will? Why?

• In what ways are you tempted to play according to the “power rules” of this world?

• Do you think living according to the “power rules” of God’s kingdom makes you a doormat or a lesser person? Why or why not?

• Are there any areas of your life where you are trusting in your own resources rather than God’s? Name them.

• What are the blessings of surrendering to God and trusting in his power rather than your own?

BLOGGING

The following questions will be posted on-line for comments:

• What stood out to you about either the teaching on marriage and divorce (Mark 10:1-12) or the teaching on receiving the kingdom like a child (Mark 10:13-16)?

• What stood out to you about the story of the rich young man (Mark 10:17-31)?

• What stood out to you about Jesus’ discussion with his disciples concerning who is the greatest (Mark 9:33-37)?

• What stood out to you about power, authority, honor, and greatness in God’s kingdom (Mark 10:35-45)?

• What personal application did you get from this lesson?

• Do you have any other comments about this week’s passage and lesson?