Community Group Discussion Guide
Mark 7:14-23- The Heart of Man

Icebreakers:

1. How hard is it for you to focus on someone's heart and not their outward actions?
   
2. How important is it to take care of our physical bodies by what we eat and don't eat? Do you think God is concerned with what we eat and don't eat?

Scripture:
After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. 16[“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”] 17 When he had left the crowd and entered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable. 18 And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, 19because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) 20And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 21“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23“All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” Mark 7:14-23 NASB

Read Verses 14-16: After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. 16[“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”] 

1. Jesus is confronting a popular religious and cultural concept by these statements He is making about how what we put into our physical bodies does not defile us. How important is it that the church address issues that are confronting the culture of today? 

2. In verse 16, Jesus uses a phrase the He used often "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear". What do you think this means and why does Jesus use it so often? 

Read Verses 17-19: 17 When he had left the crowd and entered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable. 18 And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, 19because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.)

1. Jesus provided the whole crowd with the principle that what comes from the heart is more important than what goes into the body. But now He is alone with His disciples and is providing the revelation of what those words fully meant. Why is it important for us as disciples to know the principles and teachings of Christ, but also have the revelation behind the principles? 

2. How important is it that we just not "know" things but "experientially know" things? Use 2 Timothy 3:6-7 as an example/reference: For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

3. Mark adds that Jesus was declaring all foods clean by these statements. Why is this a big deal for a Jewish community that Jesus is speaking to? Read Acts 10:9-16 where God confirms the same thing to Peter in a vision. 

Read Verses 20-23: 20And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 21“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23“All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” 

1. Jesus says that what comes out of the heart of man is the primary issue. What does Jesus mean by our "heart"? What makes up our heart? Our heart is the descriptor of our souls; who we are and the "seat of affection". Our heart is the connecting point of our soul and our spirit. Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

2. Jesus starts by saying that the first thing that comes from the heart of man is evil thoughts. Why does Jesus go from evil thoughts to very extreme cases of outward sins like theft and murder? What is Jesus teaching us hear about the power of our thougthlife? 

Community Group Discussion Guide
Mark - Traditions of the Pharisees
Icebreakers:

1. How would you define legalism within the context of the church?  (Can you give us an example?)
2. How do you think "the world" views the American Church?  (Is our primary fruit love or rules?)
3. How does the letter of the law kill spiritual life?

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13 NASB95
The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem, [2] and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed. [3] (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; [4] and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots.) [5] The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?” [6] And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. [7] ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’ [8] Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” [9] He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. [10] For Moses said, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER’; and, ‘HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER, IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH’; [11] but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),’ [12] you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; [13] thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

Digging Deeper: Jesus was causing enough waves that He garnered the attention of the Pharisees in Jerusalem.  The Pharisees along with some Scribes traveled down to Galilee to "see" what Jesus was doing.  It did not take them long to draw the ire of Jesus.  It all started when they asked Jesus to give an account for why His followers were not following the traditions of the elders.

Read verses 1-5: [1] The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem, [2] and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed. [3] (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; [4] and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots.) [5] The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?”

1. Why do you think Jesus was unconcerned about His disciples ignoring the ritual washing of hands?
2. What do the questions of the Pharisees tell you about their general attitude towards Jesus?
3. Was the ceremonial washing before meals a part of the Law of Moses?  (Should this law have been applied to all Jewish people?)

Read verses 6,7: [6] And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. [7] ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’

1. Why is lip service dangerous?
2. Can you think of examples of where the precepts of men have been presented as doctrines from God?  (This is a common characteristic of cult groups)

Read verses 8-13: [8] Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” [9] He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. [10] For Moses said, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER’; and, ‘HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER, IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH’; [11] but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),’ [12] you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; [13] thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

1. How was the giving of an offering (Corban) used to circumvent the commandment to honor your parents?
2. What would have been the results of violating the commandment to honor your parents?
   

Wrap-up: Jesus wrapped up His time challenging the "works" of the Pharisees by telling them that they were doing many underhanded things.  There is no doubt that Jesus challenged the corruption that had become accepted parts of the Jewish religion.

Community Group Discussion Guide
Mark - Healing at Gennesaret
Icebreakers:

1. Where do you get your information when buying a new product?  (When choosing a new restaurant to eat at, do you read the reviews?)
2. In terms of marketing, why is “word of mouth” so effective?  (Do you ever make recommendations based on your own experience?  Why?)
3. What is the best restaurant that you have ever eaten at?  (What made it great?)

Scripture: Mark 6:53-56 NASB95
When they had crossed over they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. [54] When they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, [55] and ran about that whole country and began to carry here and there on their pallets those who were sick, to the place they heard He was. [56] Wherever He entered villages, or cities, or countryside, they were laying the sick in the market places, and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were being cured.
Digging Deeper: Jesus was getting famous in the region around the Sea of Galilee.  This is where He spent most of His time early in His public ministry.  In a short period of time in Galilee, Jesus had performed a miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding.  Cast out a Legion of demons that caused the swine to run into the Sea of Galilee.  Fed 5,000 people with a few loaves of bread and two small fish.  Raised a young girl from the dead.  Taught the Sermon on the Mount.  Called twelve men to follow Him as disciples.  Calmed a storm.  The result?  You cannot do the kind of things that Jesus was doing without the word getting out.  Jesus was doing the kind of activities that gets one noticed!
Read Verses 53 and 54: [53] When they had crossed over they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. [54] When they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him.

1. Why do you think the people in the land of Gennesaret immediately recognized Jesus?  (Who is the most famous person that you have ever seen in person?  How did you react?)
2. In terms of marketing, it is said that the best advertising is “word of mouth.”  Why do you think that people were talking about Jesus?
3. Why do you think that “most” of the people in Jesus’ time did not recognize Him as the Messiah?

Read Verses 55 and 56: [55] and ran about that whole country and began to carry here and there on their pallets those who were sick, to the place they heard He was. [56] Wherever He entered villages, or cities, or countryside, they were laying the sick in the marketplaces, and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were being cured.

1. When Jesus was recognized, the first thing that people did was to bring sick people to Jesus.  When you or a loved one is sick, what is the first thing that you do?
2. (Here is an obvious follow-up question) Should Believers consider praying before we rush off to get medical help?  What is the right balance between faith and presumption?
3. Notice that Jesus’ ministry continued wherever He was at.  What could “we” learn from Jesus’ example?  (Perhaps that we should be ready to minister regardless of the place or situation)

Wrap-up: So…people were flocking to Jesus.  Do people have a reason(s) to flock to our church?  Why or why not?  One of the questions we must ask ourselves is this: “Are we representing our Savior in a way that is pleasing to Him?”  (Are we allowing Jesus to be the Lord of our ministry efforts?)  When it comes to Believers Church, what is the “word of mouth” concerning us?

Community Group Discussion Guide
Mark – The Feeding of the 5,000
Icebreakers:

1. What is the most desolate place that you have ever visited?  (Describe it in a couple of sentences)
2. If you were out in the wilderness, what are the essential “things” that you would need to sustain life?
3. Where would you “find” food if there was no supply of food at your local grocery store?

Scripture: Mark 6:30-44 NASB95
The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. [31] And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) [32] They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves. [33] The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. [34] When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. [35] When it was already quite late, His disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and it is already quite late; [36] send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” [37] But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give them something to eat?” [38] And He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” [39] And He commanded them all to sit down by groups on the green grass. [40] They sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. [41] And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all. [42] They all ate and were satisfied, [43] and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces, and also of the fish. [44] There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.
 
Digging Deeper: The feeding of the 5,000 is an epic miracle.  Think about it: 5 small barley loaves and two fish to feed 5,000 men.  What does this tell us about God’s ability to provide?  When Jesus commanded the disciples to feed the crowd they reacted with doubt; but Jesus, once again, demonstrated that He was indeed, “God in the flesh!” 
Read verses 30-32:  [30] The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. [31] And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) [32] They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves. authority to cover the ministry of the disciples?

• Notice that Mark identifies the 12 disciples as the apostles.  (Since Mark is writing about past events, he identifies the disciples as they are going to be in the future as apostles leading the church)
• In terms of ministry, what is the benefit of resting away from the crowds?

 
Read verses 33 and 34: [33] The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. [34] When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.

• How would you define compassion?  (How did compassion motivate Jesus when it came to His public ministry?)

• How does Jesus’ view of the crowds, “sheep without a shepherd,” relate to the general culture of America today?
• What are some of the “signs” that our culture is directionless?

Read verses 35-37: [35] When it was already quite late, His disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and it is already quite late; [36] send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” [37] But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give them something to eat?”

• What do you think was motivating the disciples when they suggested that Jesus should send the crowds away?
• Why would the disciples have considered Jesus command, “You give them something to eat,” beyond their ability to accomplish?  (Does God give us commands that are beyond our ability to accomplish in the flesh alone?)

 
Read verses 38-44: [38] And He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” [39] And He commanded them all to sit down by groups on the green grass. [40] They sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. [41] And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all. [42] They all ate and were satisfied, [43] and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces, and also of the fish. [44] There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.

• Put yourself in the disciples’ shoes; how much confidence would you have had in fulfilling Jesus’ command when you realized that you only had 5 loaves and a few fish?
• How much food do you think a crowd of 5,000 men could consume?
• What do you think Jesus’ motivation was in doing this miracle?

 
Wrap-up: Often we look at the resources we have and find ourselves somewhat “short” of what we feel we need in order to fulfill God’s mission.  What Jesus proved in this miracle is that He can take a little and make it into much.  

Community Group Discussion Guide
Mark – Sending Out the Twelve
Icebreakers:

1. How would you describe the mission of the church in three or less sentences?
2. How is the declaration of the Gospel crucial to the over-all mission of the church?
3. What would be some of the characteristics of a “ministry” that was totally dedicated to the mission?

Scripture: Mark 6:7-13 NASB95
And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; [8] and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— [9] but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.” [10] And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. [11] Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” [12] They went out and preached that men should repent. [13] And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.
 
Digging Deeper:  In this passage of scripture we see a foreshadowing of the Great Commission.  In Mark’s narrative, this is the first time Jesus sends his disciples out into the harvest to do the work of the ministry.  Jesus was already preparing them for the time when the spreading of the Gospel would rest on their shoulders. 
Read verse 7: [7] And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

• Why was it important for Jesus to extend His authority to cover the ministry of the disciples?
• Read Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
• Jesus has been given all authority.  How does that authority extend to the ministry efforts of the church?

 
Read verses 8,9: [8] and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— [9] but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.”

• Why do you think that Jesus instructed His disciples to travel so lightly?

• How can a focus on logistics actually slow down the work of the ministry?

Read verses 10-13:  [[10] And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. [11] Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” [12] They went out and preached that men should repent. [13] And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.

• Those who proclaim the gospel will face rejection.  Why do we hate to be rejected?
• Read: Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
• How could persecution be considered a blessing?

Wrap-up: The disciples went forth in teams of 2, and they preached repentance, cast out demons and healed the sick.  This same pattern would once again surface after the Day of Pentecost, when the Church was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Community Group Discussion Guide

Icebreakers:

1. What are some of the most "honorable" acts that you can think of? 
2. Who is one of the most honorable people that you know? What makes them honorable? 
3. Do you find it hard to honor those who are opposed to you? Why or why not? 

Scripture: Mark 6:1-6 NASB
Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. 2When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? 3“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. 4Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” 5 And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching. Mark 6:1-6 NASB

Read: Verses 1-2 Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. 2When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? 

• Think of someone from your hometown or your family that you thought would never amount to anything. Did they prove you wrong? 
• According to the same story in Luke 4:16-30, Jesus was teaching out of Isaiah 61:1-2 and tells the people that this scripture was fulfilled in their hearing. The people are astonished because for 400 years there has not been any prophetic voice until Jesus declares this. Is it possible to be astonished by Christ, yet not receive Him? Have you experienced this in your own life? 

Read: Verse 3 “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. 

• The people of Nazareth began to look at Jesus through their lens of their past experience and opinions of Jesus growing up in Nazareth. Have you ever judged someone based upon their past? Have you ever been judged based upon your past? 
• A moment before verse 3 the people were astonished by the words of Jesus. Now they are offended by Him based upon their analysis of Him. What is the difference between analyzing people or situations and becoming critical and offended by them? 

Read: Verses 4-6 4Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” 5 And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching. 

• Jesus reveals a truth that we all have experienced by saying "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among how own relatives and in his own household". How have you experienced this in your own life living for Christ? 
• What causes us to dishonor those that we are the closest with? 
  
• In Luke 4:16-30 (may be good to read the passage), Jesus brings up two Old Testament stories to prove His point. One is found in 1 Kings 17:1-24 (Elijah) and the other is found in 2 Kings 5:1-27 (Elisha). Jesus says that God bypassed His own people during the time of Elijah in the midst of an extreme drought, to bring provision to a woman outside of Israel. God did the same thing during the time of Elisha when He empowered Elisha to bring healing to Naaman, a leper, when there were many other lepers in Israel that did not receive healing. For a deeper dive, read both passages and discuss. Jesus connects this to the subject of honor.
  
• Have you ever missed out on a blessing from God or His people because of not honoring or finding value in them? 
• What are some things that we can do as a church to cultivate a culture where we honor one another rightly? 
  

Read: Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17 NASB

• How can we honor "all people" (believers and unbelievers alike) as Peter instructs? 
  

​Read: But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

• How can we better honor our leaders? What are ways that we dishonor those who God has raised up as leaders among us? 

Read: Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his thoughts alarmed him. The king responded and said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.’ Belteshazzar replied, ‘My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation to your adversaries! Daniel 4:19 NASB

• How can we honor even our enemies the way that Daniel does to King Nebuchadnezzar when revealing the dream to him? Why didn't Daniel say "I told you so!"?

Read: ‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you. Deuteronomy 5:16 NASB

• How can we honor our fathers and mothers and "unlock" life as God promises? How can we encourage this to the children and youth of today? 

​Read: Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 NASB
Read: and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 1 Corinthians 12:23-25 NASB

• What are ways that we can honor one another better in the church? 
• What are ways that we can honor the "unrecognized" and "less honorable" members of our body? 

​Community Group Discussion Guide

Icebreakers:

1. Have you ever suffered from a long-term illness?  (How did the long-term illness effect your life?)
2. How do you feel about the high costs associated with medical care?
3. Have you ever suffered from White Coat Syndrome?    (When a person’s blood-pressure goes up, just at the thought of visiting a doctor or dentist)

Scripture: Mark 5:25-34 NASB95
A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, [26] and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse— [27] after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. [28] For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” [29] Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. [30] Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” [31] And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” [32] And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. [33] But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. [34] And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”
Digging Deeper:  One can read between the lines, but Mark’s narrative of this story does not detail how the woman with the hemorrhage came to know about Jesus; and even more importantly, come to have faith in Jesus.  Obviously, Jesus had become popular and His fame was spreading across Israel. 

Read verses 25-28: [25] A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, [26] and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse— [27] after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. [28] For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.”

• Although medical science has advanced over the last 2 thousand years, there is still much that is unknown.  How close do you think the medical field is to the curing of cancer?
• How easy would it be to spend a fortune on medical care?  (Some operations run into the 100’s of thousands of dollars)
• The woman was compelled by faith.  She thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.”  Do you think the woman was compelled more by faith or hope?

 
Read verses 29-32 [29] Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. [30] Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” [31] And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” [32] And He looked around to see the woman who had done this.

• What is the difference between a miracle of healing and the natural process of healing?
• Have you ever been instantly healed?  (Please share)
• In this case, many people probably “touched” either Jesus or His garments; what made Jesus’ unexpected contact with the woman stand out?

​Read verses 33,34  [33] But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. [34] And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”

• The woman gave her testimony to Jesus.  Why is our testimony so important and powerful?
• How did the woman’s faith make the woman well?

Wrap-up: The woman with the need got close enough to Jesus to touch Him.  Good things happen to people when they get close to God.  Do you love God?  Are you called according to His purposes?   Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

​Community Group Discussion Guide
Mark – The Healing of Jairus’ Daughter
Icebreakers:

1. How would you respond to a person who is angry at God for allowing people to get sick?
2. What is the cause of sickness in our world?  (Who or what is responsible for sickness and death?)
3. What is the difference between healing in general and a supernatural healing?

Scripture: Mark 5:21-24; 35-43 NASB95
[21] When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore. [22] One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet [23] and implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” [24] And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him. [35] While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?” [36] But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” [37] And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. [38] They came to the house of the synagogue official; and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. [39] And entering in, He said to them, “Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep.” [40] They began laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was. [41] Taking the child by the hand, He said to her, “Talitha kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). [42] Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. [43] And He gave them strict orders that no one should know about this, and He said that something should be given her to eat.
 
Digging Deeper:  Obviously, Jairus was desperate when he reached out to Jesus.  At this point in Jesus’ ministry, there were those within the ranks of the religious leaders that were already plotting against Jesus, so Jairus was taking a risk by asking Jesus to heal his daughter.
Read verses 21-23 [21] When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore. [22] One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet [23] and implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.”

• Why do you think that Jairus did not just reach out to the other members of the synagogue for a solution to his daughter’s sickness?
• Why do you think that Jairus had such a strong faith in Jesus’ ability to heal his daughter?

 
Read verses 24, 35 [24] And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him. [35] While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?”

• What do you think was motivating the synagogue official to be so blunt about the death of Jairus’ daughter?
• Do you think is question, “Why trouble the Teacher anymore” was sincere?

Read verses 36-43 [36] But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” [37] And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. [38] They came to the house of the synagogue official; and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. [39] And entering in, He said to them, “Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep.” [40] They began laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was. [41] Taking the child by the hand, He said to her, “Talitha kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). [42] Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. [43] And He gave them strict orders that no one should know about this, and He said that something should be given her to eat.

• How comforting do you think Jesus’ words were to Jairus when He said, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe?”  (Jairus would have been very afraid when he heard the report that his daughter was dead.  He was also hoping against hope that Jesus could help save the day)
• What lesson could be learned from the behavior of the mocking crowd?  (We should be careful to express doubt and disbelief in front of people seeking God’s grace)
• Why do you think that Jesus stated that the 12-year-old girl was merely sleeping?
• Why do you think that Jesus gave Jairus’ family strict orders not to advertise this supernatural healing?

Wrap-up: Read James 5:14-15 NASB95  Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; [15] and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

• Why is the “prayer offered in faith” important when it comes to healing?

Community Group Discussion Guide 
The Demoniac, Mark 5:1-20

Ice Breakers:

1. Have you ever witnessed someone that seemed to be demon-possessed? What was that experience like? 

2. Do you think that every believer can cast our demons? Do you think every believer should be casting out demons? 

Read: 1 They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes. 2 When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, 3 and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones. Mark 5:1-5

1. The country of the Gerasenes was in the Decapolis which was a group of 10 Greek cities on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Most Jewish people stayed out of this region because of the idol worship and false teaching that was happening amongst the Greek culture. What is the significance of Jesus entering this region early on in His ministry? 
2. It seems like the people in this region had tried to help this man by chaining him up to prevent him from hurting himself and others. What are some areas where the world tries to control us instead of offering freedom? 
3. What do you think and feel when you hear about this man? Fear, compassion, worry etc. 

Read: 6 Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him; 7 and shouting with a loud voice, he said, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” 8 For He had been saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Mark 5:6-8

1. How did the human side of this man know who Jesus was? Has anyone told him about Jesus or presented Jesus to him? Read: John 6:44 for reference
2. The demons and the man both bow before Jesus. The demons are the ones speaking to Jesus through the lips of the man. They acknowledge who Jesus is by calling Him "Son of the Most High God". How significant is it that demons confess who Jesus is, even before the disciples? 
3. What are the demons referencing when they ask Jesus to not torment them? Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:10 for reference 

Read: 9 And He was asking him, “What is your name?” And he said to Him, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” 10 And he began to implore Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. 12 The demons implored Him, saying, “Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.” 13 Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea. Mark 5:9-13

1. The demon answers Jesus' question of "what is your name" by saying "Legion; for we are many". How do you think demons gain entry into people's lives? 
2. Why are they earnestly asking Jesus to not be sent out of the country? What was so important in that country? 
3. The Sea of Galilee in Mark 4 was the place of an intense storm that Jesus rose up to calm with His very words. Jesus sends the demons into the pigs and they are drowned in the same sea. What is the significance here that the same sea that almost killed the disciples has been used to set free a man in bondage to demons? Has the Lord ever used a trial to bring freedom to an area of your life? 

Read: 14 Their herdsmen ran away and reported it in the city and in the country. And the people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened. 16 Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the swine. 17 And they began to implore Him to leave their region. Mark 5:14-17

1. Has the transformation of Christ in your life caused people to become "frightened" or at least take notice because of the change that has taken place? 
2. Can you relate to the change that took place in this man's life? Share how you can relate with your group. 
3. The townspeople ask Jesus to leave their region. What would have happened if they would have allowed Jesus to stay in their region? What does this show us about how some people of this world react to Jesus's work? 

Read: 18 As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him. 19 And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. Mark 5:18-20

1. The demons begged Jesus to not torment them, the townspeople begged Jesus to leave, the newly freed man begged Jesus that he might go with Him. Does Jesus's deliverance in your life cause you to want to be with Him even more? What does that look like in your life? 
2. Jesus tells this man to stay in that region and go proclaim what the Lord had done for him. A man who just a few short minutes ago was controlled by demons, has been freed and given a whole new purpose in life. Can you relate to this? How are you fulfilling the mission that God has given to you? 
3. What happens because of this man's transformed life? Read Mark 7:31-36, Matthew 15:29-31- both of these scripture take place in the Decapolis where this man was sent to preach. Did this man's proclamation of Jesus cause the name of Jesus to become famous in that region to where when Jesus came back to that region crowds were excited?