Sunday 31 October
It’s Not The End of The World
Mark Wells
Mark walks us through Gospel of Mark chapter 13 which tells us that times of suffering and persecution will come and this is not the end of the world. These times are an opportunity to either be deceived or to be effective for the gospel. Mark emphasizes how it's important to share the gospel with those around us, grow our own faith, and pray.
Life Group questions
It’s Not The End of The World
Session 13: Mark 13
Read Mark 13
Discuss
Look at Mark 13:1–13. You’ll see that Jesus doesn’t really answer his disciples’ questions. Rather, he focuses on how they can remain faithful to him during their future suffering and trials.
What are their responsibilities when facing persecution?
What hope does he give them for those critical moments when they must defend themselves to the authorities?
Describe a time you have needed the right words to defend your faith. What happened?
Now look at Mark 13:24–37. Remember that Peter (whose story Mark is transcribing throughout this book), James, and John were with Jesus when he was transfigured. Now, Jesus promises that one day he will return in that same radiance but with an army of angels at his back. In Mark 13:32–33, Jesus challenges the disciples to live every day in light of his return.
Most of us live in relative comfort, and our routines can lull us into a sense of stability—that everything will be the same until the day we grow old. So, here’s the question: Are you ready for Jesus’s return? Are you living like he could return tomorrow? If not, why?
Spiritual Practice: If you have time remaining this week, consider taking the time to work through the following spiritual practice as a group:
1. Self-Review. As a church, we have now spent almost four months studying Mark’s Gospel. Take some
time, preferably with a pen and paper, to jot down any reflections, responses, or learnings you have
gathered during this time. What has God revealed to you as we have studied this book?