Jesus and His Kingdom – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: What first comes to your mind when you think of Jesus’ Kingdom?

Sermon Title: Living in the Red Letters – “Jesus and His Kingdom” – Mark 1:14-15

Group Discussion:

Read Mark 1:14-15 & Luke 4:16-21 with emphasis on “The time has come…” – “Time” here refers to an “appointed time.” What does it mean that there was an appointed time for Jesus, especially understanding that it was more significant and monumental than simply a time to begin His ministry.

Read Mark 1:15 with emphasis on “the kingdom of God” – How should we understand the meaning of “the kingdom of God;” is it primarily a present spiritual reality, a future hope, or both; is it all about Jesus? Discuss how Jesus’ kingdom being rooted in faith, repentance, and His supremacy contrasts with secular-worldly ideas of kingdoms.

Read Mark 1:15 with emphasis on “has come near” or “is at hand”– What does it mean for us that God’s kingdom is here now and not yet fully realized? Discuss how this tension between the “Now” and the “Not yet” influences the way we approach life as disciples and as we mentor others.

Read Matthew 5:3-10 & Mark 1:15 with emphasis on “Repent and believe the good news!” – Discuss why Jesus makes an explicit correlation between repentance and belief. Consider how this call to repentance challenge us with our hurts, habits, and hangups. How can this call transform our faith?

Read Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:46-49, & James 1:22-25 – How does the parable in Matthew and Luke and the message from James reveal about “the kingdom of God?” Reflect on and discuss how these words apply to our lives now as Jesus’ disciples and to our approach to discipling-mentoring others.

Spiritual Discipline: Review additional resources for this sermon series on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, such as Jesus’ Parables as Recorded in Matthew

Action Steps: Review the resource this week titled Jesus’ Parables as Recorded in Matthew and select various parables to study. (1) Explore how they reveal the existence of Jesus’ Kingdom here and now, (2) Explore how they are applicable to your life today as Jesus’ disciple, and (3) Explore how they can inform and guide your approach to discipling-mentoring others.