Following the Way of Christ: The Gospel of Mark: The Donkey, the Palms, the Pause
Mark 11:1–11
Kendy Easley, Executive Pastor, kendye@churchbcc.org
On this first day of the last week of Jesus’ earthly life, he sets both a direction and an example for his followers, then and now:
I. Just get the donkey
II. Triumphal Entry: Parade or Pathway?
III. Pause, Take a Breath, Feel, Reflect, Re-group, Take Action
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
Begin by reading Mark 11:1-11 aloud, taking turns reading the passages.
Pray over the group before beginning discussion.
Do you find yourself disoriented in this season, or are you finding yourself coming back from disorientation as life returns to a more “normal” way of being?
What do you think it means in practice to “follow” Jesus?
Pastor Kendy said that following Jesus involves trusting in his instructions even when we don’t understand them.
Is there an area where you’re struggling to follow the instructions of Jesus?
Is there an area where you need more instruction from God or more clarity of instruction?
Pastor Kendy said that in following Jesus we are to carry the load alongside Jesus. What load might God be calling you to carry?
In today’s story, we see Jesus demonstrating humility by riding a donkey. How can you follow Jesus’ example of humility in a practical way?
Jesus demonstrated a contrast between the earthly military powers and his own humble processional. How might we be called to be countercultural?
Like the person who is finding better community at AA than in church, are you feeling like the pandemic has given you a greater reliance on communities outside of church?
Are you finding yourself growing in reliance on the church community again?
How can Bethany be better at drawing people into the community?
How might you, as part of this Bethany community, serve in that?
Application: How will you carry the symbol of the cross with you into Holy Week?
Practice: Consider reading the entire Gospel of Mark in one sitting this week.