No choice in life makes a greater difference than our choice to follow Jesus. This one decision influences and casts a new shade on every other decision. Whether you are considering following Jesus with your life or are looking for your next step to follow Jesus, we are wise to consider what Jesus' path really looks like and includes. This weekend, we're finding the first steps to follow Jesus in Mark's Gospel together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Mark 1:1-20 quietly and prayerfully. Do that again. Now read one more time taking time to pause at each section of this passage. Write or consider one sentence or statement to summarize each section of this narrative. What is the message of: a. Mark 1:1-8 b. Mark 1:9-15 c. Mark 1:16-20 2. What do you see about the connection points, common theme, or purpose behind stringing together this series of events in this particular way? 3. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 4. If it’s possible to have faith in Jesus but stop short of following Jesus, how would you describe the relationship between faith in Jesus and following Jesus as well as the difference between the two? 5. How has finding and following Jesus led you to re-organize the details and values of your life around Jesus, created change in you and led you to be a change agent, and take a different perspective on your suffering and pain? Is Jesus leading you to go farther in one of these three parts of life right now? 6. Read Mark 1:16-20 once more and imagine that you are present with Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John on the shore when Jesus walks past. What do you smell, taste, see, feel, and hear? Listen for Jesus’ voice calling to you, “Follow me!” What is your next step to follow Jesus right now?