Connect
Share about an incident you were present for where someone did something that was shocking in either a positive or negative way.
Discuss
- Read Mark 11:12-25. How have you viewed the stories in this Scripture passage before? What stands out to you now?
- Three reasons were mentioned that made Jesus act in the way he did at the temple: consumerism, cultural superiority, and comfort. Which of these three stands out for you? How has consumerism infiltrated your life? Where has it infiltrated the church? Considering the space of the Court of the Gentiles, how much room do you have in your heart for those who are not like you? What is your ‘den’ or place you go figuratively speaking to hide from God?
- The fig tree is a parable for the temple and the temple is a parable for all of humanity. Jesus condemns the temple (remember he is God) but he will also absorb God’s condemning wrath against it and against us. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. What does this mean to you personally? Does it motivate you? If so, how?
- Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. What makes the idea that we are God’s new and holy temple difficult for you? How does it encourage you?
- Jesus tells the disciples to “Have faith in God” after they had just heard that their whole center of faith was changing completely. A few days later after the resurrection, this likely would have made more sense but in this moment, how do you think the disciples reacted? How do you relate with the disciples? In what situation is it difficult for you to have faith? What one thing can you do to have more faith in God in the midst of changing or unclear circumstances?
Prayer
Spend a few moments of listening prayer asking God to show you if there is anything that needs to overturned/removed/destroyed in your life in order for you to know God more intimately. If Jesus reveals anything, confess it to him and ask for help to root it out. Pray together as a group that your faith in Christ would be strengthened in steady or challenging situation and that your witness in the world would be clear.
Global Request
Most of the Lao people would identify themselves as Buddhists (60%). Animism is also common although not dominant in this population of over 7 million people. About 1.7% of the population claim to be evangelical believers. Canada is also home to 14,000 Lao. Pray that more Lao people would come to know, love, and serve Jesus. Pray for freedom from fear for those who are seeking Jesus and also for protection from persecution for those who believe.
