Mark 4:21-34
Christ has come to reveal his kingdom and gather his people from the nations.
Be faithful in making Christ known (Mark 4:21-25)
Be persistent and rest in God’s Sovereignty (Mark 4:26-29)
Be zealous for the Glory of God’s name among the nations (Mark 4:30-34).
Discussion questions:
Read Mark 4.21-25. Jesus tells us that the purpose of a lamp is not to place it in an area that would diminish the light, but instead to place a lamp in an area where the light can shine forth brightly. In our message we learned that Jesus is calling the reader to make The Lamp known. To not hide Christ, but make Him known to others. Why might a believer struggle in the call to make Jesus known?
Read Mark 4.26-29. Jesus calls the man to scatter seed and then let God allow it to grow. The man in this parable doesn’t make the seed grow, he simply plants the seed and then lets God go to work. How does this parable create humility and confidence in us as we look to share God’s Word?
Read Mark 4.30-34. In the parable in verses 26-29 and this parable Jesus shows that a harvest is coming, that God will gather His people to Him. The imagery of birds (representing the nations) finding rest and shade is a moment where Jesus shows that the Kingdom is not just for Israel, but for people from all over the world. How does this truth impact the way we see the nations coming to the United States?
How does this truth in Mark 4.30-34 impact how we think about going or sending to the nations?
Take some time as a group to pray for the nations. Pray for the nations in our community, for the nations scattered around the world, for the need to go (both into our community as well as into the world), and the need for senders.
If you are interested in knowing more about how to pray for specific people groups please visit www.joshuaproject.net