Jesus must have frequently shocked and sometimes scandalized his original audiences. Today, when we take the time to listen to his words in the Gospels, how could we avoid being surprised? Mark carefully sequenced narratives about Jesus and teaching from Jesus to help us understand what a Jesus-following looks like. As we conclude this portion of teaching through Mark’s Gospel, we come away surprised by Jesus again but also receive insight about responding to the surprises we experience from life with Jesus. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Mark 3:7-35. What do you observe about the three distinct parts of this unit? a. Summary of Jesus’ early ministry in vs. 7-12 b. Separation and sending of the 12 in vs. 13-19 c. Opposition and teaching in the “house” in vs. 20-35 2. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 3. Read verses 20-35 again and imagine that you are present within the story. a. Where are you (inside or outside of the house)? b. What do you see, feel, smell, taste, and hear? c. What do you observe or experience about Jesus? What message might Jesus have for you from this narrative and experience? 4. What kinds of surprises have you encountered in your life with Jesus? How have you received the benefits of someone else’s generous spirit or given of yourself freely, persistently trusted God in the face of opposition, experienced or exercised the grace to let others make their decisions, and simply found your next step to keep following Jesus? 5. Reflection back on this series, the message, and this narrative of Jesus’ calling his followers—how might Jesus be calling you to faithfully follow him now?