Mark 2:13 - 3:6
“Getting in Jesus’ Way”
1. Jesus Moves Toward Broken People ❤️
📖 Read: Mark 2:13–15; Luke 19:10
Jesus calls Levi, a despised tax collector, and shares a meal with “sinners.” God’s heart is always for restoration, not condemnation.
Key Insight:
💛 Following Jesus means embracing those society discards.
Discussion Questions:
Does our church embrace people broken in ways we don’t understand?
Are our tables open or “reserved for the righteous”?
2. Grace Disrupts Comfort ⚡
📖 Read: Mark 2:16–17
The Pharisees see sin as a label, not a condition needing healing. Jesus prioritizes mercy over judgment.
Key Insight:
✨ Grace makes people uncomfortable—but restoration is God’s priority.
Discussion Questions:
Are we more concerned with reputation than showing mercy?
Do we rejoice when transformation disrupts comfort?
3. Joy Over Rigid Piety 🎉
📖 Read: Mark 2:18–20
Jesus, the Bridegroom, calls His people to celebrate redemption. Faith isn’t a burden—it’s union with Him, marked by joy.
Key Insight:
God’s kingdom brings joy, not rigid tradition.
Discussion Questions:
How can spiritual disciplines coexist with joy?
Does our faith radiate hope or somber obligation?
4. God Always Does Something New 🔥
📖 Read: Mark 2:21–22
New wine and fresh wineskins symbolize transformation that challenges old systems. God is always creating new life and opportunities.
Key Insight:
🌱 Even though God and the Gospel and the Word and truth are unchanging, God’s work requires openness to the Spirit.
Discussion Questions:
Are we protecting tradition over God’s new work?
How can we embrace “new wine” personally and corporately?
5. Sabbath Serves Life 🛡️
📖 Read: Mark 2:23–28
Jesus shows that rules exist to restore life. Compassion takes priority over rigid legalism.
Key Insight:
⚖️ Life and mercy matter more than rule-following.
Discussion Questions:
Do rules serve life or block mercy?
How can we align practices with God’s heart for restoration?
6. Jesus Confronts Resistance 💪
📖 Read: Mark 3:1–6; Isaiah 1:11–17
Pharisees watch to accuse, but Jesus acts to heal. God’s law is love—action for restoration matters more than ritual.
Key Insight:
🛡️ Religious tradition can block God’s work if it opposes mercy and life.
Discussion Questions:
Are we unintentionally “getting in Jesus’ way”?
How do we respond when tradition conflicts with God’s mission?
7. Align With Jesus’ Heart ❤️👑
📖 Read: Mark 2–3; 1 Corinthians 3:6–7
Churches thrive when Jesus is lifted up and allowed to work freely. Growth happens when we remove obstacles to His mission.
Key Insight:
🌟 Stop obstructing Jesus—personally and corporately.
Discussion Questions:
Who is most likely to “take on this spirit” today—us?
How can we remove obstacles to God’s kingdom in our lives?
🙏 Prayer Prompts
Mercy: “Lord, help me embrace the broken as You do.”
Grace: “Jesus, let my actions reflect Your mercy, not judgment.”
Joy: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, Lord.”
Openness: “Holy Spirit, teach me to receive Your new work without fear.”
Alignment: “Jesus, help me stop getting in Your way and follow Your heart fully.”