HOW TO USE THIS DISCUSSION GUIDE
As you lead the discussion, we follow a discipleship framework that helps move us from learning to transformation:
Head → Heart → Hands → Share → Check-In
Leader Reminder: There are multiple questions in each section. Leaders should prepare ahead of time and use discernment to choose the questions that best serve their group. The goal of this discussion is not just conversation but transformation. Encourage participation, honesty, and practical obedience.
ICE BREAKER
- When have you felt close to God in a surprising way?
- What is something people often chase, hoping it will finally satisfy them?
SERMON RECAP
In Mark 9, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain and is transfigured before them. His glory is revealed, Moses and Elijah appear, and the Father speaks: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” The sermon showed us that Jesus is the true meeting place between heaven and earth. He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, the only one with clean hands and a pure heart, and the one who brings us back to the Father.
But Jesus does not only meet us on the mountain. He comes down into the valley. In the suffering of a desperate father and a tormented son, we see that Jesus responds not to polished faith, but to honest dependence: “I believe; help my unbelief.” The spiritual invitation is to stop climbing the wrong mountains and come to Jesus, who brings the Father’s blessing near and promises to be with us in every valley.
SCRIPTURE
READ: Mark 9:2–8, Mark 9:14-29
HEAD
What does the scripture show?
- What stands out to you in this story?
- What surprises you?
- What questions does this passage raise?
What do we learn about God?
- What do we learn about Jesus?
- What do we learn about God's character?
What do we learn about people?
- How do the disciples respond to what they see?
- What does Peter's response reveal about people when they encounter God's glory?
HEART
What do we believe?
- The Father declared, “This is my beloved Son.” Through faith in Christ, we are adopted as God's children. How does that truth challenge or change the way you think God feels about you?
- The father in this story prayed, “I believe; help my unbelief.” Where do you find yourself praying that same prayer today?
- When you find yourself in a valley season, what truths about Jesus do you need to remember most?
HANDS
What can you put Into Practice?
- What is one thing God is inviting you to believe, do, or change because of this passage?
- Where do you need to listen to Jesus more closely this week?
- Where do you need to trust Jesus in a valley situation?
- Complete this sentence:
This week, I will ____________________________.
SHARE: MISSION
Living Out the Message This Week
- Who will you share this takeaway with this week?
- Who will you intentionally pray for this week?.
NEXT WEEK CHECK-IN
- Encourage the group to return next week ready to share how they practiced the HANDS step and how they lived out the SHARE: MISSION step.
- Ask, what is one takeaway from your study of this past week’s chapter in Mark?
PRAYER
- Pray for a fresh experience of God as Abba Father.
- Pray for honesty to bring our unbelief, weakness, and need to Jesus.
- Pray for anyone walking through a valley to experience the nearness of God.
- Pray that our group would live as people who carry the presence and blessing of the Father into the world.
OTHER SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Exodus 24, Psalm 24: 3-4, John 1:5, Isaiah 40:3–5, Isaiah 53:5–6, Romans 8:15–16, Galatians 3:26, 2 Peter 1:13–18