Why should we follow Jesus with our lives? One of the big questions Mark tries to answer in his Gospel stories about Jesus is also a question every one of us ask. This weekend we’re exploring a few reasons Jesus is worth following. Along the way, we will also realize that following Jesus isn’t about self-improvement, self-realization, or self-care but involves self-service and sacrifice to expand God’s reign and God’s purposes. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Mark 1:21-45. What do you observe about the unique person, character, and work of Jesus in this passage? How or in what areas do you observe Jesus expressing his authority in… • vs. 21-28 • vs. 29-34 • vs. 35-45 2. The only person who gives to or serves Jesus in this passage is Peter’s mother-in-law (vs. 29-31); everyone else wants something from Jesus. What could we learn from this? 3. Describe the tension you may feel (if any) between the “giving” and “getting” parts of following Jesus. How is following Jesus more about giving than receiving yet based upon receiving forgiveness, new life, and freedom from Jesus? 4. While performing miracles, Jesus seems to avoid big crowds and curiously commands a healed man to keep quiet (vs. 44). Maybe Jesus considered success differently than the people surrounding him. How do you define success and how does following Jesus influence your definition of success? 5. Reflect on your life and your faith, who are some people that selflessly gave to you and positively influenced your life andor faith in Jesus? 6. Take some time to thank God for the influence of the people who have given to you. Consider your next step in becoming more like those individuals (or Peter’s mother-in-law) and who you selflessly serve right now. Ask God to give you the insight and determination to follow through and to be working in the life of the person or people you want to influence and serve.