If you have ears, then hear!

Bible passage: Mark 3:20 - 4:20

Last week we looked at Mark 2:13 - 3:19 and the new wine of God’s Kingdom bursting through the old wineskins of expectations and religious frameworks. This theme continues as we look at Mark 3:20 – 4:20.

(1) In verses 3:20-3:35, Jesus faces opposition. Firstly, he is opposed by the teachers of the law and secondly, his own family question his state of mind. How is Jesus challenging their expectations?

(2) How do you think Jesus felt about this opposition? He responds with the parable of the sower (4:1-9); does this give us a clue to his thoughts?

(3) How might his response influence our attitude to opposition?

(4) The parable of the sower challenges us to consider how receptive we are to the Gospel. How can we cultivate openness to God’s message?

(5) Sunday’s sermon stated that the growth of the Kingdom is God’s work. God gives growth to the planted seeds. If God is responsible for the growth of the seeds, what is our role as Christians (hint – see 1 Corinthians 3:5-11). What are your thoughts on this role e.g. is it reassuring, or challenging….?

(6) That God gives the growth points towards a great theme of the Gospel – the grace of God. How does grace break through our expectations?