This Changes Everything –
The Heroic Death of Jesus
Sermon Discussion Guide for the week of April 9th, 2017
Primary Scriptures: Mark 15: 16-25
Relationships
As you begin the study portion of your gathering ask a few of these questions to help your group focus
their attention.
What is one of the saddest movies you have ever seen? Have you watched it more than once?
Why or why not?
Why do you think news programs report on mostly tragic events?
Scripture
Have a volunteer read Mark 15: 1-5
It was a crime against Rome to claim kingship in Jerusalem during Jesus’ time, why does
Jesus respond to Pilate’s question?
The accusations made by the Jewish rulers against Jesus were false, why did He not respond?
Have a volunteer read Mark 15: 16-25
What are some of the ironies in the way the Roman soldiers treated Jesus?
Why did the soldiers seize Simon of Cyrene? What do their actions reveal about Jesus’
condition?
Simon’s encounter with Jesus was rather very unusual. How did you first encounter Jesus?
Have you experienced a “random” event in your life that upon later reflection showed God’s
sovereign will being worked out in you?
What do you know about Jesus’ physical crucifixion itself?
When you read this account of Jesus’ crucifixion what strikes you as you see Him succumb to
the torment?
Mission
If you were given the option to change the crucifixion and death of Jesus would you? Why or
why not?
How would you respond to someone who claims there are multiple ways to reconcile to God?
How can we trust that the suffering and death of Jesus was the best possible plan for
reconciling people back to God?
Development
What do Jesus’ actions teach us about submitting to God’s will?
In light of Jesus dealing with the ultimate injustice of the cross, what does this mean for us as
we face injustice?
How would you respond to the following?
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Pray
You are falsely accused of being a “gossip” at work?
Your “slacker” co-worker gets most of the credit for the job your team did?
Someone makes you feel stupid by the way they talk to you?
Someone gives you the finger as they fly past you on the freeway?