Questions for Reflection and Discussion

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 Week 6: Beyond the wall (Mark 11:1-11)
 

Sometime before the discussion, take a moment to read through this week’s passage: Mark 11:1-11

1. Was there anything in this week’s message that resonated with you or challenged your thinking? Was anything surprising or uncomfortable? Did you disagree with anything

2. Read Mark 11:1-11. How do you think it felt to be a part of Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem? What emotions do you think Jesus’ disciples experienced? Why?

3. In many churches, the message on Palm Sunday is based on the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt while people shouted, “Hosanna.” Have you heard a message based on this passage before? If so, how have you heard it explained?

4. Read Mark 11:1-7. On Sunday, the speaker said that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem appeared to be an intentionally orchestrated demonstration. What evidence is there in these verses that Jesus planned this event? What point do you think Jesus was trying to make?

5. Merriam-Webster.com defines a demonstration as “a public display of group feelings toward a person or cause.” Today, demonstrations are often used to display one’s objection to injustice. How have you seen demonstrations used in response to injustice? Have you participated in a demonstration? Why or why not?

6. Demonstrations are often designed to speak truth to power. What message did Jesus’ demonstration on the Palm Sunday communicate to the powerful Roman Empire? (See Mark 11:8-10 and Matt. 21:1-5)

7. Break into groups of 2 or 3 and consider the story in Mark 11:1-11. Share situations where you feel challenged to demonstrate against unjust power in our world today, and then spend some time praying for one another.

 

Practice for the week: Journey with Jesus to the Crucifixion 

Journey with Jesus this week through the events leading up to the crucifixion. You can do this by reading through the stories of Jesus’ last week before the crucifixion in each of the four gospels (Matthew 21-27, Mark 11-15, Luke 19-23, John 12-19 ). Take time to notice how Jesus interacted with people and how people interacted with him. Imagine how you would feel if you were on this journey with Jesus. As you read through the story in each of the four gospels, jot down anything that stands out to you. Then, spend time praying about the notes you took and the feelings they elicited.

 

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