Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• What is your favorite type of bread? Do you enjoy making it or buying it? Why?

‌Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• What do you know about yeast? Take a minute to look it up and learn a few facts.

• When Jesus warns about yeast in Mark 8:15, is he talking about ingredients?

• In what way is the spread of sin similar to the proliferation of yeast? (see 1 Corinthians 5:6)

• Why were the disciples so focused on bread in Mark 8:14? How should the events of Mark 6:34-44 and Mark 8:1-10 have eliminated their worry?

• In what ways do our physical needs steer us away from God? How can fasting (Matthew 6:16) help shift our attention from those physical needs?

• What details does Jesus encourage the disciples to remember? Was He focused on the quantity of leftovers or could He have meant something else? Discuss.

• In what ways did Herod and the Pharisees focus on their own needs/situations rather than seeing Someone greater?

• Do you ever focus on situations or needs that steal your attention from God? List some of the most frequent, recurring ones.

• Why do we allow our minds and hearts to be pulled from Him?

• How can recalling God’s past actions help you in the present?

• Can God change your heart to better focus on Him? Read Ezekiel 36:26-27. Where do you need that type of heart adjustment?

Prayer—Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Pray for God to warn and protect you from anything that would take your attention off Him.