SERIES: Jesus, Son of God: Headlines from Mark

TOPIC: Jesus Defeats Evil

TEXT: Mark 1:21-28

SCRIPTURE:

• Jesus’ interaction with the unclean man is His first recorded miracle. Why do you think it is noted that it took place after Jesus had been baptized, tempted in the wilderness, called His first disciples and had begun His preaching ministry?
• Where does Jesus meet the unclean man? Why is the location significant?
• Dissect the words of verses 23 and 24 in a couple of different versions. What do you learn?

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• As we get caught up in the things of this world, be it violence, injustice, politics (the list goes on and on), it is easy to sometimes lose sight of God’s power. Jesus is more powerful than the evil forces of this world that seek to harm and hinder God’s work in the world. First, do you really believe this?
• What can you do to remind yourself of WHO is really in charge? 
• Who is in your life to talk to when you get overwhelmed with the world? Is it time to be part of an accountability group where you can help one another get through these difficult days?

TRANSFORMATION:

• In this text, Jesus does not call on His disciples to overcome evil, He does it Himself. How does that translate to 2023?
• Think about the people who know you well – the people you talk with every week. Do they see a person who is confident of God’s control? If not, what do they see and hear?
• What is God saying to you about this?
• Talk about the verse below. How should we respond to this clear directive?

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:21

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”  Mother Teresa