Jesus and Tradition

What does Jesus have to say about tradition? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we look at Mark 7.

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. What are some common traditions that you see in the church? Share some that are good and some that are abused.
2. What is one highlight from the sermon and one question that you had after hearing the sermon?
3. What does it mean to sacrifice obedience to God’s Word for the sake of temporary traditions? What are some ways that the church does that today?
4. Read Mark 6:56; Numbers 15:38–39. Why is it important to recognize that Jesus is the perfectly obedient Israelite? How is this good news?
5. Read Mark 7:1–4. In your own words, explain the context of this conflict.
6. What does it mean that the Jewish leaders “fenced” the Word of God? What are some ways that we can “fence” today? (Both concerning Scripture and other laws)
7. Read Mark 7:5–8. How does Jesus respond to the question from the religious authorities? What two areas of concern does he bring up?
8. What are some ways that good intentions in your Christian faith have sometimes devolved into one-upsmanship or nothing more than a checklist?
9. Read Mark 7:9–13; Judges 11:29–40. How does Jephthah set the Word of God against itself? In what ways is this similar to what the Pharisees do in Mark 7?
10. What does it mean to hold to the Word of God with your whole mind? With your whole heart? With your whole will?
11. What are some ways that you may have sacrificed obedience to God’s Word under the guise of honoring God?