Resources
College Hills LIFE Group Guide
November 2013 Guide 2
Bible notes
Our text today contains what is sometimes called the Passion Prediction of
Jesus. “Passion” here refers to the suffering of Jesus, and this is the third
time in the last three chapters of Mark where he tells his disciples that
suffering are coming (Mark 8:31-32; Mark 9:31-32; Mark 10:33-34).
Noteworthy is that each of these predictions are followed by a teaching
moment between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus wants them to learn that
his future path is going to inform their future path. The way he lives his life
impacts the way disciples live their lives. Here we see that way is often
upside down to their expectations…and to our expectations.
Kid-friendly activity. An activity designed to help kids and adults grow in faith
together. Do this first, then dismiss the kids so the adults can talk.
“Upside-Down Table”
This week is a challenging teaching of Jesus, but we are going to try
and make it fun for the kids. To make the most impact get a dining
room table where the kids can sit. Have one end of the table
decorated really nice with great treats, then as you move down the
table have the treats get worse and even non-existent.
Have them enter the room and treat the moment like a really big
deal. Seat each child at the table and explain to them that one end
of the table is filled with great treats and is a really big deal while the
other end is not so great and not such a big deal. Play it up.
About the time you are going to let them enjoy their respective treats
have an adult (“an important messenger”) come in with some news.
They have just gotten word that there has been a problem in the
seating arrangements—they are backwards. And so the kids need to
change their spots. The great ones have to go to the least spots and
the least get to go to the great spots.
After you reposition them at the table ask them how they are feeling
about their new places. Ask them why it was hard to go from top to
bottom, and why it was nice to go from bottom to top.
At this point read Mark 10:43-45 and talk about how Jesus is
wanting his follower to think and live differently. Have some
discussion about how they might choose to serve others in their life
instead of always trying to be great. Then close in prayer and treats.
Mark 10:32-45 – All In: When Last Is First
By Wilson McCoy ([email protected])
The theme: One of the challenges of following Jesus is
recognizing how often he turns things upside-down in how we
view the world. In our passage today Jesus insists that those
who follow him with choose service over greatness. While this
may seem counter to how people think the world should work,
Jesus invites us into a different kind of life in order to create a
different kind of world.
Leadership Tip: One way to get the most out of these discussion
guides is to make sure you don’t use the whole discussion guide.
Take some time before your LIFE Group meeting to read through
the guide and the text for the week. Pick one or two questions that
you think would be good for your group and just stick with those.
Sometimes it is better to go deep with one question than to rush
through all of them. Make sure you spend time on the $ question.
Also, this time of year is a great time to serve as a LIFE Group. Talk
to your group about an opportunity they know about where you could
serve as a group between now and the end of the year. Contact
Wilson if you need some ideas.
Relate
Use a few to introduce the theme, check everyone’s spiritual pulse, and
“break the ice.” No right or wrong answers – maybe goofy but not wrong! Look for
opportunities to affirm and encourage through these questions.
 What are your plans for Thanksgiving?
 What would you say is your favorite holiday food dish?
 What is one way you like to be generous during the holidays? Is
there a way this LIFE Group could help you?
Group discussion
Each number below includes questions that relate to
the scripture. I offer a few answers, but your perspective may be better. The point
is to discuss, not to get 100% agreement. Rule of thumb: the fewer questions you
ask, the better. Save time for “the big question.”
Read Mark 10: 32-45 slowly and out loud.
3. One challenge of this passage is that Jesus turns upside down
the perspective of his followers about what it means to follow him
(43-45).
In your own words, sum up the upside down challenge of Jesus.
Why is this an upside down way of thinking still today?
1. Jesus begins our text with some shocking words for his followers
(32-34). What about Jesus’ words here would have been shocking
for the disciples?
Do you think these words of Jesus are still shocking to followers of
Jesus today? Why or why not?
Tell about a time when you saw someone follow the teachings of
Jesus in a way that you found shocking or surprising.
Where is one place in our world where you think believers should
live in a way that surprises the world around us?
2. Jesus’ shocking prediction is met with a shocking request from
James and John (37). What about their request do you find
shocking?
Why do you think it was so important for them to sit on the right and
the left of Jesus?
What does this request tell us about what they thought following
Jesus was all about?
How or where do you see Christians today getting caught up in
power games and end up missing out on following Jesus?
In what ways do you fall temptation to these power games?
Has there ever been a time in your spiritual journey where you
misunderstood what it meant to follow Jesus and you were
challenged? What happened? What did you learn?
Name some of the ways the world oppose this thinking of Jesus.
Where have you seen people live out this upside down way of
thinking of Jesus?
Is there a place in your life where you could choose to be a servant
instead of being great? What might you do? Who would it impact?
4. Jesus explicitly states here what his mission is all about—he
came to serve, not to be served. Where do you see this true in the
life and ministry of Jesus? What examples come to mind?
Are any of the examples you just named possible for us to follow
today? Which ones?
Name some of the everyday, ordinary ways we might be able to
serve those around us instead of trying to be great.
 The million-dollar question If you ask only one question, let this be it.
Allow at least 20 minutes. Go around the circle and give each person an
opportunity to answer. It’s okay if they pass, but at least they get a chance to
respond.
Jesus asks his followers here an important question: “What do you
want me to do for you?” Imagine that Jesus comes to you and asks
you that question right now…how would you honestly answer him?
Close in prayer after everyone shares.