Mark 9:33-50

  • Mark 8:31

  • Mark 9:31

  • Mark 10:33-34

  • Mark 9:32

Signs of Subtle Pride (from Jonathan Edwards)

  1. Fault-finding

  2. A harsh spirit

  3. Superficiality

  4. Defensiveness

  5. Presumption before God

  6. Desperation for attention

  7. Neglecting others

Discussion questions:

  1. In what areas of your life are you most prone to desire greatness? When/where is “good” not “good enough”? Why are we all, in some way or another, inclined to pursue greatness?

  2. In what areas of your life does pride linger most subtly? Consider again Jonathan Edwards’ seven signs of subtle pride. Where/how do you see pride lurking in your heart? (Fault-finding, a harsh spirit, superficiality, defensiveness, presumption before God, desperation for attention, neglecting others)

  3. In Jesus’ deinition, part of greatness is humble service. In your life, in what relationship or situation is it hardest for you to assume this attitude? How can looking to the person and work of Christ himself help you assume this attitude?

  4. In Jesus’ deinition, part of greatness is radical discipleship. What aspects of Jesus’ teaching in Mark 9:42-50 are hardest to embrace, believe, and obey? Why?