SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Mark 1:2-8 - John the baptist Prepares the way


Section 1: The Promise of a Messenger


Read: Mark 1:2-3, Malachi 3:1, and Isaiah 40:3


Discussion Questions:

  1. Mark opens by grounding the story in prophecy. Why could fulfilled prophecy matter to our faith? What does it do for your personally?

  2. These promises were spoken hundreds of years earlier to people who died before seeing them. What do you do with the reality that God's timeline is often much slower than ours?

  3. If God keeps His word across generations, how does that change the way you think about promises He's made that you haven't seen fulfilled yet?

  4. Prophecy shows God is orchestrating a bigger story. Where in your life do you struggle to trust that your story is part of something larger?




Section 2: A Baptism of Repentance


Read: Mark 1:4-5, Isaiah 1:16-18, and Psalm 51:1-4


Discussion Questions:

  1. The text in Mark says the people were "confessing their sins." When you hear that, what feels uncomfortable or risky about it for you?

  2. What's the difference between admitting sin to yourself, admitting it to God, and admitting it to another person? Which is hardest for you?

  3. Psalm 51 shows deep grief over sin. When was the last time your isn actually grieved you instead of just inconvenienced you?

  4. Does the idea of confession mean we should just tell everything to everyone? Why or why not?

  5. What would honest, healthy confession actually look like in your life right now? What might need to change for that to happen?





Section 3: The Coming One


Read: Mark 1:6-8, Joel 2:28-29, and Ezekiel 36:25-27


Discussion Questions:
  1. John contrasts his water baptism with Jesus baptizing in the Holy Spirit. What do you think he's trying to make unmistakably clear about the difference between the two?

  2. John says he isn't worthy to untie Jesus' sandals. This, at minimum, shows an extreme reverence. Have you ever been tempted to treat Jesus casually or take Him for granted? What happened?

  3. Where do you see subtle ways people (including yourself) elevate spiritual leaders, traditions, or experiences to a place that belongs to Jesus?

  4. John promises that Jesus will baptize in the Holy Spirit vs the repentance people are doing themselves. What is the difference between trying harder to change and depending on the Holy Spirit to change you? Where do you see this tension in your life?

  5. How have your expectations of the Holy Spirit been shaped over time? Where might they be too small or unclear?