Mark #2: Jesus and John the Baptist
Mark 1:2-8 – The gospel is the good news that God has kept his promise to send a Messiah, the one who will take away the sins for those who believe in him. This is the message of John the Baptist, Jesus’ strange cousin and the last in the line of the Old Testament prophets. In this sermon, you will see how John’s message still echoes across the church today.
SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK:
Mark 1:2-8
BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:
Take 5 minutes to silently read over the section of scripture to gather insight, questions, or discussion with the group before answering the questions.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What implications do Jesus’ title “Christ” and “Son of God” have on your life?
2. How is the coming of Jesus good news for those who believe in him?
3. What lessons can we learn from John the Baptist rejection of materialism and pursuit of humility?
4. How does John’s preaching of repentance, confession, baptism, and Holy Spirit compare to the prominent message of the American Church?
5. John’s life was spent “preparing the way” for others to meet Jesus. What practical ways can you carry out that mission today?
CHALLENGE:
This week your challenge is to make a list of three people you personally know who are not yet following Jesus or connected into a local church. Throughout this series be in prayer for them everyday that they would become Christians and find a local church.