Mark 2:13-28 "Of Wine and Skin"

There's missing the forest for the trees, and then there's saying it's not a forest because the trees are the wrong species, or they're growing on the wrong hill, etc.

Often times people of faith can't see what God is up to because of the myriad ways they've predetermined what God will do, How God will do it, and For whom it will be done. This was a problem for scribes and pharisees. It's a problem for notable Christians of our day. It's a problem for pastors. It's a problem for LifeGroup Leaders and their group members. 

Take time in your group this week to explore what our modern context for requiring fresh wineskins might be, and how we truly think the Spirit of Christ is speaking to it.

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Thaw

• Have there been experiences in the last week where you believe the Spirit was at work in your life, awakening you, inviting you, etc.? Please share.
• What has stuck with you the most from Sunday? 

Read

• Micah 6:6-8
• Thoughts?
• Mindful that we don't participate in the sacrificial system with animals and oil, etc., How would you modernize the language for our own context?
• How have you experienced the importance of loving others, working for equity and justice and walking humbly with God?

Read

• Mark 2:13-28
• Discuss that which glows brightest for the various members of the group. See if you can validate the criticisms leveled at Jesus for what he was doing, using scripture. See if those criticisms are effectively countered by the spirit of Micah 6:8. Then see if you can uncover modern equivalents for the people and behaviors in each scene, and how Christ responds to it.

Discuss

"...do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" Romans 2:4 NASB

• How does this differ from how we think God transforms people? 
• How does this seem to line up with the work and ministry of Christ, even if at odds with our typical conceptions of Christianity?
• Why do we resort to Us & Them, Do's & Don't and Sacred & Secular in trying to advance God's Kingdom?

Apply

• What would you say are some of the New Wine God is up to in society, church, etc, and some of the Old Wine Skin responses?
• What are ways that your view of God is historical, verses open to something new today?
• What's the balance to strike for respect for the past and openness to the present?

(For a few more thoughts in this vein, you may consider reading my blog post from last year entitled, A Couple Thoughts About God and Beer.)