Redemptive Relationships

Below is the first of a twelve session discussion guide for groups regarding Jesus’ relationships with various individuals, groups and more from the Gospel of Mark. It is written to help sportspeople observe Jesus Christ’s interaction with these people and to thereby inform their relationships. If you would like a copy of the study, simply reply to this email and I’ll be pleased to send it to you directly. I hope it serves you well.

Redemptive Relationships

An inductive study of Jesus’ relationships with individuals,

groups and more from the Gospel of Mark.

Session 1


1) Read Mark chapter 1 aloud and pray together.


2) How would you describe the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth as seen in verses 1-11? What kind of a man does John seem to be?


3) In verses 9-12 a remarkable event unfolds.


a. What do you perceive about Jesus’ relationship with God the Father and The Holy Spirit?


b. How do they respond to Jesus’ baptism?


c. How does Satan respond to Jesus’ emergence upon the scene?


d. Why is it important that Jesus was tested in this way?


4) What ideas are central to Jesus’ message to those around His home town in verses 14 and 15?


a. How would people in your home town respond to you if you said similar things?


5) How does Jesus go about recruiting his first followers in verses 16-20?


a. How do they respond to Him?


b. How would you describe these men?


6) How did people in Capernaum respond to Jesus’ teaching in verses 21-28?


7) How does it seem that Jesus nurtures His relationship with God the Father? See verse 35.


a. Who goes looking for Jesus and interrupts His solitude?


b. How does Jesus respond to Simon’s interruption in verses 36-39?


8) How does Jesus treat this leper in verses 42-45?


a. How does the man respond to Jesus?


b. Why would Jesus give him this stern warning?


c. How well did the man comply with the warning?

9) Thoughts for contemplation and application: How do these snapshots of Jesus’ relationships inform your relationships with;

a. Those who have preceded you, such as:


i. Big brothers and sisters?


ii. Veteran teammates?


iii. Alumni from your sport program?


b. God the Father and the Holy Spirit?


c. Jesus’ first followers among your teammates, family and circle of friends?


d. Satan and all who would interfere with God’s plan for your life?