The Trouble With Jesus- Discussion Guide I

For the next four weeks we will be exploring a few of Jesus' views and behaviors that we, His followers, are called to emulate. If you have been a follower for any length of time, then you have likely come to the conclusion that this isn't something you figure out or achieve in a series of steps. There are new realizations and new degrees of difficulty at every turn. Jesus seems to invite us into a life that's in many ways so contrary to the one we've lived, that it can be years before we see transformation in certain areas of our life. Some people may have an easier time than others, but none of us would say that following Jesus is simple. Like an infinite puzzle, we never seem to fully arrive at the life He invites us into. And yet, there is something so beautiful about the life He offers, that we can't put it down.

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The Trouble With Jesus: Jesus Hid- Discussion Part I

Leader note:

Before you even consider doing these discussion questions, you may want to consider a different kind of group meeting altogether. You may find that merely talking about rest and rhythm would be counterintuitive- you may need to just do it! If you have a sense for where your group is, and you feel like it's not too early to have a deeper (to the point of a little discomfort for some) time of growth together, you may want to just provide some selected passages, blank paper and pens and just let your group members be for 30-45 minutes. Though you may initially feel like you want to drill down in discussion on the idea of rest and rhythm, nothing quite teaches it like experiencing it. Don't worry about feeling as though you're wasting their time.This may be exactly the kind of environment God wants to create, and that they need. 

Thaw

• Was there anything from the message Sunday that really resonated with any of you?
  
• When do you feel refreshed?
  

Read

Mark 1:21-37

Leader note: Note that this is all one day in the life of Jesus. As this text is read, help your group see the mounting pressure that Mark presents in just the first chapter of his gospel. Note the "news spreading", the increased amount of requests on His time. He is feeling the weight of responsibility from friends who could be called his co-workers, their family, demons, the sick, crowds from all over town.

• Verse 37 presents Jesus being told "Everyone is looking for You". Did Jesus know this when He went out? 
  
• How would you describe the noise and commotion of Jesus' day?
• How would you describe the stress level for Jesus?
• What would you say about the rhythm in Jesus' life?
  

Leader note: It makes sense that Jesus had gone to bed before the work in that town was done- that's why there were people looking for Him the next morning. You can imagine then that at one point Jesus walked away and went to bed, while there were still sick, possessed and needy people still waiting. When He woke up, He didn't just get right back to it! He went and hid with the Father, leaving work undone.

• Considering the importance of Jesus, and His short time to do what the Father had for Him to do, do you think it's strange that Jesus made Himself unavailable? Why or why not?
  
• Does it become strange if you know that He made Himself unavailable everyday? Why or why not?
  
• What prevents His followers (us) from finding and even fighting for this same rhythm?
  

Apply

• When are you unavailable?
  
• When do you shut off stimulation?
  
• How do you feel when you shut off the noise and distraction of life: cell phone, email, tv, internet, number crunching, planning, organization, preparation, negotiation?

Leader note: Help the group be honest! Many people can't shut off because of fear; fear that something will be missed, fear that someone (employer, clients, family) will be disappointed. There is also a very real-life addiction that takes place for some; there's an addiction to stimulus, to engaging their work or their busy-ness. Not doing is the same as not living, as they have subtly taught themselves through the years that what they produce in a given day is directly connected to their worth.

• What can the group do to help you create daily space for detaching from all the typical stimuli to be with the Father?
  
• What would it take for your household to have one day a week where you were unavailable to those with demands on your life?

Leader note: Be sure and end in silence, allowing extended time for people to experience quiet before God.

Additional Texts

• Gen 2:1-3
  
• Mark 6:30-46
  
• Mark 2:26-28