ROOTED Week 1 Fall 2025
Points/Fill-ins:
Point 1: Is Jesus really worth following when things are hard?
Point 2: The gospel of Mark is fast paced and action packed.
Point 3: Jesus is the Son of God and the Servant King
Have you ever shared with someone, or heard from someone, just a crazy story? I don’t know if this is that crazy but when I was in seminary…
Jeep story.
It was a great memory for me.
Now this hasn’t happened for me but sometimes, people write down other people’s stories - often with their permission if they are still living. This is sometimes called ghostwriting.
Well - this season of ROOTED we are looking at the gospel of Mark.
Mark was the helper of one of Jesus’s closest friends, Peter. And Mark wrote this gospel based on Peter’s eyewitness account.
Who:
Mark wrote this book for Christians in Rome who were going through very hard times. This audience needed to know - is Jesus really worth following when life gets tough.
What’s It About?
Mark is fast paced and uses the word immediately over 40 times.
It’s action packed - less talking and more miracles and movement
It answers the question - who is Jesus and are you going to follow him
Some movies have long conversations - little women. Some jump right into the action - marvel.
Mark is more like marvel
Theme
Jesus is the Son of God and the Servant King.
Mark shows us Jesus’ power (miracles, authority over demons, storms, sickness) and His love (serving, healing, dying for us).
Not always but sometimes the superhero in the movie is not only strong and powerful but also sacrificial - like if batman washed peoples feet.
Mark leaves us with the question: “Now that you know who Jesus is, what will you do about it?”
Application (3 points):
Point 1: Is Jesus really worth following when things are hard?
Point 2: The gospel of Mark is fast paced and action packed.
Point 3: Jesus is the Son of God and the Servant King.
Answer so what?
As we go through this gospel this fall, I want you to ask yourself. Is Jesus worth following? Am I willing to give my life to Him, to be adopted into the family of God, to live with purpose and joy - or am I content to live the world’s way?
ONE on ONE discussion
Have you ever heard or told a story that stuck with you for a long time? Why do you think stories can be like that?
Why do you think Peter’s story about Jesus was important enough for Mark to write down (I know we haven't really looked at it yet but some students might generally know)?
If you were going through a really hard time, what would you need to hear?
Mark shows Jesus doing miracles, casting out demons, calming storms, and healing people. Which of those would you most want to see in person—and why?
Mark describes Jesus as both powerful and a servant. Which of those sides of Jesus is easier for you to relate to?
Imagine Jesus is like a superhero—powerful but also willing to sacrifice for others. How is that different from most heroes we see in movies or shows?
(Can share something from recent news - maybe the guy who rescued the kid on the mono rail track at Hershey park?)
7. Do you think following Jesus makes life easier, harder, or just different? Why?
8. When life gets tough, what do you do to find comfort, peace, or help?