Our church is currently studying the book of Mark. For twenty-eight weeks we're walking through the book and talking about the action-packed story of Jesus. Mark was more concerned with what Jesus did than what Jesus said. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.
Small Group Questions ::: Here Comes the King ::: Mark 11:1-11
Since the beginning of Mark 9 we’ve seen that Jesus has turned His attention to Jerusalem. Much of Jesus’ ministry took place around the Sea of Galilee but now Jesus has moved His attention to Jerusalem (see Luke 13:33). Jesus entrance to Jerusalem is a spectacular event. Crowds lined the streets and praised the coming King. The same crowd that shouted HOSANNA will be the same crowd that shouts: “Crucify Him!” The world has praised many kings but Jesus reveals to us that He is the true King. Jesus is the one who is worthy of all praise and honor. Let’s about the coming King.
1) Who are some people that are praised as a king? What is so important that our culture will willingly hand out this title, and address, people with this title?
2) Read Mark 11:1-3. As Jesus approached Jerusalem He sent two of the disciples to find a colt that was tied up. Compare what Mark wrote with the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Do you think the Israelites made the connection?
3) The disciples act in obedience to what Jesus asked them to do (read Mark 11:4-6). Throughout Scripture we see that God desires obedience from us (read John 15:14, Deuteronomy 11:1, & Micah 6:8). Where is God calling you to obedience?
4) Why would Jesus ride a donkey (read Mark 11:7). In Ancient Israel, riding a donkey was a symbol of peace (Joshua 9:3-8, 1 Samuel 16:20, Isaiah 9:6). Where has Jesus brought peace to your life?
5) Hosanna is a Hebrew expression meaning to: “Save!” The people cried for Jesus to save them. What did they need to be saved from? What is going on in your life that you need Jesus to save you from?
6) The people who praised Jesus were quoting Psalm 118:25-26. The crowd was filled with: political activists, men, women, disciples, and people just joining the crowd to see what would happen. Where are you in your walk with Jesus?
7) The Psalms teach us about worshiping the Lord (read Psalm 29:2, 96:9, & 100). The Bible is filled with different ways to worship the Lord: singing songs, giving, listening to songs, confession of sin, serving, and praising God’s name are just a few. How would you like to focus on worshipping the Lord this week?
Close your time in prayer.