A Greater Kingdom

How does Jesus's message of the kingdom differ from every other message of deliverance in human history? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark.

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever fasted before? Share some of your experience.
2. What is one highlight from the sermon and one question that you had after hearing the sermon?
3. Read Mark 2:18. In the sermon, we discussed two different “purposes” for fasting. What were they? How did these approaches to fasting play themselves out in the first century?
4. Read Matthew 6:16–18; Isaiah 58:1–12. What is the danger of fasting? What are some ways that we are tempted to abuse the discipline of fasting?
5. Read Mark 2:19; Isaiah 25:6–8. Why is fasting inappropriate for Jesus’s disciples during his earthly ministry?
6. Read Mark 2:21–22. What word pictures does Jesus use here to compare his message with those of other religions? How does Jesus view other religions and their ability to “make us right with God”?
7. Jesus’s claim in these verses is controversial in our pluralistic society. Imagine that you were to share this passage with someone from a different religion (or no religion at all). Discuss how you would communicate Jesus’s message here in a loving way.
8. Read Mark 2:20; Isaiah 53:8. In verse 20, Jesus hints toward his crucifixion. Why is the message of the cross a necessary one when we talk about Jesus’s kingdom?
9. In the sermon, Pastor Jordan shared a quote that described fasting as “homesickness for God.” Do you agree or disagree with this definition? Why or why not?
10. 10.What are some ways that you can intentionally “long” for God and his kingdom this coming year?