CrossGroups Connection Guide

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 3:1-15

Mark 2 began with Jesus drawing criticism from the rabbis for claiming to forgive sins, then astounding them by healing a sinner. It closed with Jesus’ followers being accused of Sabbath violation. Mark 3 brings these elements together in dramatic fashion. Jesus is back in the synagogue. This is the same place where Jesus cast out a demon in Mark 1, so we can imagine a record crowd was present. The conservative rabbis had gathered in hopes of catching Him in breaking the Sabbath. Sure enough, a man with a useless hand was present. The man did not seek to be healed; he was probably self conscious and used to hiding his condition. Jesus saw him and commanded him to stand up!

Jesus used a common technique of the rabbis, which was to teach in question and answer format. He asked the congregation whether good or bad should be done on the Sabbath? He then used an interesting phrase – “to save life or to kill?” Sabbath tradition said medical treatment was unlawful unless a condition was life threatening. The man’s condition was clearly not an emergency, but in a culture in which you don’t eat if you don’t work, his outlook was dim. Those who freely criticized Jesus behind His back remained silent in the face of Jesus’ question. Angered, Jesus went ahead and healed the man. This prompted the Pharisees to begin conspiring with their sworn enemies – the supporters of secular King Herod – in order to murder Jesus.

For the first but certainly not the last time in Jesus’ ministry, the heat was on. Jesus left the area and went to the lake, most likely for a time of retreat. However, Jesus’ fame had already spread throughout the entire country and beyond. A great crowd of “locals” followed Him to the lake, as well as people from all over the region. They quickly became a mob, pressing so close to Jesus they risked crushing Him. Once more the crowd represents a hindrance to Jesus’ needed ministry, rather than a response to faith. Demons were present in many of those suffering, and Jesus’ presence called them to cry out “You are the Son of God” – something only God had declared at this point. Jesus quickly took authority, for the situation was about to become a riot.

After silencing the evil spirits, Jesus began climbing into the surrounding hills to escape the crowd. He summoned a group of disciples to join Him, giving twelve men from among them special authority. These were known as apostles (Greek – “sent ones”). This is the only time the word appears in the book of Mark. Apostles were called to do two things, both of which only Jesus had been doing up until this point – preach and cast out demons. By sharing this job with the apostles, Jesus was multiplying His ministry. It is no accident that twelve were chosen. There were twelve tribes in Israel when God set them apart as a people. Now, a new people had been set apart – a new Israel.

Today’s sermon will ask a serious question – are we in the crowd or above it?

• Go around the table and share prayer requests. Have someone lead in prayer.

• Let everyone who would like to share anything exciting from their week.

• Did anyone do last week’s assignment? What was the result?

• Ask these three questions. Let as many answer each one as they would like.

1. Finish this sentence – “I would rather do anything in the world than go to the _______________ !”

2. Is there anything in today’s scripture that especially speaks to you?

3. What questions would you like to ask about today’s scripture?

• Go over this week’s assignment (below). Commit to work on it together.

Today’s Sermon

Key Truths –

• Jesus was surrounded by crowds.

• The world is crowded today.

• Good news: Jesus took followers up above the crowd.

• Good news: Jesus wants to take us up, too.

This Week’s Assignment –

Having a CrossViewed life means following Jesus to the top of the mountain, rather than staying in the crush of the crowd. You have been given authority to tell the story of Jesus. Tell someone this week some part of that story.