Disciple | Unexpected Expectations PT 2

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between 

(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing? 
• What can you thank God for this week?
• When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
• Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes 

(Sermon Discussion Questions)

1.) In what ways have you experienced Jesus’s upside-down Kingdom? How have your experiences changed your life?

In Mark 1:18-20 we read about how at once, they (Simon and Andrew) left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee, and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay, he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

2.) Have you accepted Jesus as Rabbi/Master of your life in surrender like Simon, Andrew, James, and John? If not fully, what is preventing you from that?

3.) What kind of fears do you suppose that these young men had? Do you have any fears of a fully surrendered life that you need to give to Jesus in prayer?

4.) The disciples were all “rejects” of what was culturally and religiously expected of them. They were not Talmidim or accepted and brought into the teachings of any rabbi. As a result, they most likely felt rejected and as if their lives were insignificant. But then Jesus came and gave them a purpose that is meaningful to this day! That’s how significant Jesus said they were. In fact, the Bible says this about our significance in John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” Are you struggling with any feelings of rejection or insignificance in your life? How can you allow the words of Jesus to transform your mind and heart in this place? Is there something that you need to ask of the Father in prayer, remembering that feelings of shame are not of Him?

Jesus is the ultimate authority. He is not “a” truth, He is THE Truth. The world pulls on us with a false sense of authority. The world oftentimes tells us what to like, what to buy, what makes us a good person, what a good job is for us, and what groups of people to associate with to name a few. In what ways should we mute those falsities and respond to the authority of our Master, Teacher, Rabbi, and King of Kings?

Jesus reached the world by leading small.

5.) Recount a time when you were disciplined. How did that person or people impact your life and those around you? Have you stepped into Jesus’s call to make disciples?

6.) Mark penned the first Gospel of Jesus through His relationship with Peter. If people only knew Jesus through you, what would they write about? Are you satisfied with your answer? Take whatever emotions this brings up in your heart to God in prayer (both as a group and alone with Him).

A worship song to consider after this week’s sermon: “Then Christ Came” by MercyMe

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? 
• What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

• People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
• Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon? 

Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take the next steps toward Jesus.