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
- What is something you worked hard to achieve, only to discover it didn't satisfy you the way you expected?
- Have you ever been surprised to learn that your first assumption about something was wrong?
- What's one possession or accomplishment people often look for security or significance?
SERMON RECAP
In Mark 9, Jesus confronts the deepest assumptions of the human heart. The rich young ruler appears to be everything a person could hope to be—successful, respected, moral, and sincere. Yet he senses that something is missing. Through His interaction with this man, Jesus exposes two common misunderstandings: that people can be divided into “good” and “bad,” and that acceptance with God can be earned by what we do.
Jesus reveals that the real issue is the heart. The rich young ruler's wealth had become his "one thing"—the thing he trusted more than God. But before Jesus challenged him to surrender it, He looked at him and loved him. This is the heart of the gospel. We do not earn God's love through obedience; we respond to His love through surrender. The higher law of grace accomplishes what human effort never can. When we see that Jesus gave up everything to make us His treasure, we have found the way. His love changes the priorities of our heart, and we learn to learn to live with this same generosity toward others.
SCRIPTURE
READ: Mark 10:13-27
HEAD
What does the scripture show?
- What stands out to you in the conversation between the rich young ruler and Jesus? Is there anything that surprises you or raises questions?
- What do Jesus’ words and actions throughout this passage reveal about who He is and what He values?
- What do we learn about people from the responses of the rich young ruler and the disciples?
- What do Jesus’ teachings in this passage reveal about what it means to follow Him?
HEART
What do we believe?
- Where do you see a difference between the way people naturally evaluate themselves and others and the way God does?
- What in your life is competing with Jesus for first place right now, and what might that reveal about your heart?
- How does knowing that God's love and acceptance come before our obedience change the way you respond to His invitation to trust, surrender, and follow Him?
HANDS
Practice Together in Community
- What is one thing God is inviting you to believe, do, or change because of this passage?
- How will the generosity of Jesus toward you shape the way you live this week?
- Complete this sentence: "This week, I will live out this sermon by __________."
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
- Thank Jesus that He loves us before we earn it and invites us to follow Him through grace.
- Pray for God's continued transformative work in us.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to form generous hearts that reflect the generosity of Christ and advance God's mission in the world.
OTHER SCRIPTURE
Exodus 20:3, Genesis 22:1–14, Esther 4:13–16, Philippians 3:4–9, 2 Corinthians 8:9