Sick of Religion? Week 5: Intro/LifeGroup Questions

WEEK 5

This devotional pairs with Mark 2:23-3:6 and the sermon preached on March 23-24.

Written by Lilly Davis

Grew up at Chapel Hill. Currently working towards a Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Loves engaging with Scripture with both mind and heart and discussing it with others, particularly when paired with good food or coffee. Also enjoys viewing God’s creation through the lens of photography.

LifeGroup Guide

Review

How has Jesus been challenging you this week? Where have you experienced transformation?

Story

Mark 2:23-3:6

Head

Read about what the Old Testament said about eating grains from the field in Deuteronomy 23:25, and rules for the Sabbath in Exodus 34:21. Use your Study Bible to understand how the Pharisees interpreted work on the Sabbath.

Read about “what David did” in 1 Samuel 21:1-6 to understand the background to Jesus’ comments on the Sabbath. How is Jesus’ interpretation of Sabbath work radical compared to the Pharisees and yet still consistent with the Scriptures?

What do Jesus’ interactions in this story say about his authority as the Son of Man?

Heart

The Pharisees are upset in this story when Jesus’ followers don’t keep to their traditions and rules, even though their behavior is in accord with Scripture. When have you judged or experienced judgement in a “Pharisaical” way?

How do you know when your interpretation of Scripture is accurate? Discuss as a group how to test and weigh your own interpretation through the lens of Scripture, wisdom and the history of interpretation by the Church through the ages.

Hands

How do you keep the Sabbath? Do you keep a Sabbath? Make a list of your traditions and motivations (current and past). Has anything changed over your life about what the Sabbath means for you?

What does this passage mean for your practical activities and motivation on the Sabbath? Is there anything you need to change about how you are keeping the Sabbath?