Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• What is your favorite season of the Christian year? Do you ever pay attention to seasons like Lent, or do you focus only on the major days like Easter?

‌Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• Have you ever read the Gospel of Mark? On average, it takes about 90 minutes to read. Commit to reading or listening to it this week!

• Mark worked closely with Peter, one of Jesus’ original disciples. How would that relationship impact the content of Mark’s gospel?

• If you were telling the story of Jesus, what elements would you want to include? Why would Mark and other gospel authors need to be selective in what they shared?

• Read Mark 1:1. Take a minute to look at each word. How does this statement prepare you to read the rest of the gospel? Which word or words capture your attention?

• How did John the Baptist “prepare the way” for Jesus? Do you think the preparation was for God’s benefit or ours? Explain your answer.

• Describe the scene as Jesus approaches to be baptized. How do you think John reacted? What was Jesus’ attitude? Where possible, use the text of Mark to guide your answers.

• How does God’s words at Jesus’ baptism add to our view of Jesus’ identity and mission?

• In what ways were you prepared and made ready to accept Jesus?

• Do you usually view your baptism as “reaching a goal” or as “starting a journey”? Explain. Which should be your view?

• How can you make your decision to follow Jesus more “public” – known to the people around you in your life?

Prayer—Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Thank God for the steps He took to lead you to Jesus.

• Pray for His continued work in your life as you intentionally submit to His direction and will.