Theme Verse: "Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." - Mark 3:35
Opening Prayer: God of home and hearth, you bless families all over the world. As we study, remind us of the larger family of sisters and brothers we have been given in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Introduction: Do you remember the first time you visited a friend's house or spent a weekend with your spouse's family? What did you notice or envy or shy away from? What was it like for you to have visitors in your home as a child? Were you embarrassed of your siblings or parents? Were you proud to be a host? Sometimes these early experiences shape our definitions of family and home well into the future. Maybe you grew up admiring a neighbors wrap around porch and now you have your own. Maybe you wished for family dinners like a good friend always had and now your family sits down together every night.
We spend very few Sundays in worship learning about Jesus' early years and that's, in part, because we don't have much information about his life between the manger and the Jordan River. We begin in the seaside community of Capernaum where we remember that Jesus grew up with a human family. This month, we make time for that fact to set the stage.
A Bit of Background: Many of Jesus' teachings and miracles happened in small, rural towns. Still, the most remote areas were affected by the complex political climate. Being Jewish in the Roman Empire was far from simple. Religious and political leaders were constantly balancing an allegiance to God and the Empire. Many sects of Judaism are known today by the compromises they made to stay out of political trouble so they could worship under the political radar. Knowing this, we begin to understand the controversial moves Jesus made in drawing attention to tax collectors, soldiers and government officials throughout his ministry.
Made Whole and Well: Read Mark 2:1-12
Jesus was not the only healer in his day, but there was something about his authority and the desperate friendship of these five people that made them climb on top of the roof and cut a hole above Jesus.
- It was uncommon for well/clean people to touch or associate with sick/unclean people. Imagine what kind of relationship these four people had with the paralytic man. What might cause them to, not only touch him, but hoist him onto a roof and then dangerously chop a hole under their own feet?
- Jesus says the man's sins are forgiven. Huh? He's not there because he needs to get some regrets off of his chest. He wants to be physically healed! Why did Jesus choose these words and why did they make the scribes so surprised?
The Company We Keep: Read Mark 2:13-17
I don't know about you, but I tend to rely on my calendar. Each morning I look at it before leaving the house to make sure I'm prepared for the things I've scheduled. If someone approached me in the middle of a busy day and suggested I put everything down to head in a new, fuzzy direction I would probably decline the offer. But there must be something striking about the way Jesus approaches ordinary people and invites them along. I imagine "impressive" people watching this scene, shocked by Jesus' wide welcome and unpredictability.
- Have you ever been an outcast or an outsider? What was that experience like?
- Have you ever shared a meal with people who fit into different categories than you do?
- Have you ever felt called to follow Jesus in a new and unexpected direction?
Sabbath Customs & Controversy: Read Mark 2:21-3:6
Details, details. Sometimes we follow the letter of the law as though it has the final word. Other times we explain it away because our preferences don't agree with the law's requirements of our time or efforts.
- Do you have vivid memories of remembering the Sabbath as a child? If so, what?
- What does Sabbath mean to you today?
- Why do you think God gave humankind the Sabbath and how could our relationship with Sabbath change to better appreciate this gift?
On the Road Again: Read Mark 3:7-30
People crowd around Jesus, an image that helps us imagine his authority among the crowds. Throughout the gospels Jesus is confronted by demonic spirits who plainly name his true identity as the Son of God. These scenes give us some insight into the ways physical and emotional illnesses were understood in his time, but also the tension between Jesus showing us who he is and the clear proclamation of his identity.
Some gospel authors emphasize Jesus' secretive nature regarding public confession of Jesus as Messiah. Other authors let unlikely characters name his power clearly before Jesus hushes them and instead lets his ministry unfold slowly through his actions. What do you think Mark is trying to do here? Why does Mark choose to foreshadow in this way at this point in his gospel?
It is good to know that even Jesus gets tired or needs alone time. But when he retreats to be alone or with a few disciples, he always welcomes those who find him and uses the opportunity to teach. How does Jesus use this talk of demons and Satan to his advantage and preach the truth about God?
Family Matters: Read Mark 3:31-35
At the end of chapter three, Jesus is back home in Capernaum. We have come full circle - when we began chapter two, Jesus' family was strictly defined by his genetics and household, but now he has extended family to included anyone who does the will of God. The controversy surrounding Jesus and his ministry is growing, but so is Jesus' family of followers.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for the models of faith we encounter in your holy word and in daily life. Help us, now, to be such models of trusting faith for others as we seek to be your family on earth. In your name we pray. Amen.
