Mark 9

Series Big Idea: Who is Jesus, and who are we because of Him?

Today’s Big Idea: God’s Plan for Jesus (Jesus’ Humanity and Arrest)

Today’s focus is on the plan that God had for Jesus—His death. The entire incarnation was for the purpose of humanity’s salvation. Jesus’ entire life and ministry were leading up to the moment in the Garden of Gethsemane in Mark 14. Here, we see that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. We see His humanity when He asked God to save humanity from their sins a different way. We see His wrestling with fear and anxiety. We see His desire to not be alone. These are deeply relatable issues for students. Capitalize on these and create a safe place for students to grapple with Jesus’ humanity and the gospel of what Jesus was about to do on our behalf. If some of the students in your group are not yet believers, this could be the moment where the Holy Spirit makes it click. Pray to that end and be prepared to steer the conversation toward salvation.

Ice Breakers:

Give any announcementsSoccer Ball/Hot SeatHappy, Crappy, God MomentDevotional Follow Up: How did it go, loving someone in an out-of-the-norm-way this past week?Prayer Requests, Praises, and Prayer Have a student pray for all of the prayer requests given.

Starter Questions:

Talk about a time when you were really afraid. Start with some silly examples. Go!Now for real, what is your biggest fear? What makes you anxious?

Say This: Believe it or not, there was a time when Jesus was actually fearful and anxious. Let’s read about why and how He handled it.

Digging into the Word: Have a student read Mark 14:32–50.

Mark 14:32–50 CSB

32 Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” 35 He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? 38 Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.” 43 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a mob, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.” 45 So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 They took hold of him and arrested him. 47 One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear. 48 Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? 49 Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then they all deserted him and ran away.

So why was Jesus anxious? What was He afraid of? What was about to happen?What was Jesus’ main purpose for coming to Earth?True or false: Jesus was 100% God and 100% man.

Hebrews 2:14–18 CSB

14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil—15 and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Like the passage says, why should the fact that Jesus came to Earth “set us free from the fear of death”?

What do these verses tell us about who Jesus is?

What do they tell us about why He needed to come to Earth?

What does it tell us about who we are because of Him?

What does incarnation mean? Why does it matter for us as Christians?How do we see Jesus’ humanity in what we read in Mark?

How does this account help you relate to Jesus?

Wrapping it Up:

Application Questions:

How has your lack of understanding of who Jesus is and who you are because of Him caused you to stay chained to fear and anxiety? What do you think Jesus wants to say to you in those areas of your life? What fears does He want to break off in your life?How have you been like the disciples in Mark—falling asleep in your relationship with Jesus?What is one thing you can do today to pursue Christ and the freedom He is offering?

Challenge: Spend time with Jesus this week in the Bible using your devotional. Reach out to me or someone in our group about fear and anxiety that you might be feeling. Don’t weather the storms of emotion alone. Jesus wants us to carry one another’s burdens and live lives of freedom because of Him.

Prayer Prompt: Put students into pairs and have them take turns praying for each other’s fears and have them speak truth to each other about who they are because of Jesus.

Stay Connected: Text the group this week saying something like, “Hey guys, I’m thinking about you today. I am praying you feel the peace of Jesus today as you remember that He came in flesh in blood and went through the same things you have. He is with you. You are not alone. There is hope. You are loved. Remember, I’m always here for you if you need to talk. Much love! Have a great week.” Also, post the follow-up social media graphic and devo for the week so your students see it!