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Southside Church of Christ, Lexington, KY
Episodes
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Mark 4:26-34
26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain - first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come. 30 Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. NIV 84
26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain - first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come. 30 Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. NIV 84
Lesson Notes
The Kingdom Begins Small but Grows Mighty
Jesus uses seeds—especially the mustard seed—to show that God’s kingdom often starts in small, unnoticed ways but grows into something extraordinary.
The Kingdom Begins Small but Grows Mighty
Jesus uses seeds—especially the mustard seed—to show that God’s kingdom often starts in small, unnoticed ways but grows into something extraordinary.
The Seed Represents the Word of God
Jesus identifies the seed as the Word. The power for growth and transformation lies not in human effort but in God’s Word itself—alive, potent, and productive “all by itself.”
Jesus identifies the seed as the Word. The power for growth and transformation lies not in human effort but in God’s Word itself—alive, potent, and productive “all by itself.”
Growth Belongs to God Alone
Just as a farmer cannot make a seed grow, we cannot produce spiritual growth in others. Our role is to sow faithfully while trusting God to bring about the increase in His time and way.
Just as a farmer cannot make a seed grow, we cannot produce spiritual growth in others. Our role is to sow faithfully while trusting God to bring about the increase in His time and way.
God Values the Insignificant
The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that God often chooses what seems small, weak, or unimportant to accomplish His greatest work—from Israel’s humble beginnings to Jesus’ own life.
The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that God often chooses what seems small, weak, or unimportant to accomplish His greatest work—from Israel’s humble beginnings to Jesus’ own life.
Small Acts Have Eternal Impact
A cup of water given in Jesus’ name or a quiet word of encouragement can be kingdom work. When done for Christ, no act of service is too small to matter.
A cup of water given in Jesus’ name or a quiet word of encouragement can be kingdom work. When done for Christ, no act of service is too small to matter.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In what ways have you seen God bring growth “all by itself” in your life or someone else’s, apart from your effort or control?
1. In what ways have you seen God bring growth “all by itself” in your life or someone else’s, apart from your effort or control?
2. Why do you think God chooses to work through small, ordinary things rather than large, impressive displays of power?
3. What does it look like for you to “sow the seed” of God’s Word in your current season of life—at home, work, or in your community?
4. How can we keep from becoming discouraged when the results of our efforts for God seem slow or invisible?
5. What’s one small, faithful act you can do this week “in Jesus’ name” that could become a mustard seed moment for someone else?
3. What does it look like for you to “sow the seed” of God’s Word in your current season of life—at home, work, or in your community?
4. How can we keep from becoming discouraged when the results of our efforts for God seem slow or invisible?
5. What’s one small, faithful act you can do this week “in Jesus’ name” that could become a mustard seed moment for someone else?
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Mark 4:21-25
21 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on it's stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. 24 Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." NIV 84
21 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on it's stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. 24 Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." NIV 84
Lesson Notes
The Secret of the Kingdom Is Revealed, Not Learned
Jesus says, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you.” This shows that the knowledge of God’s kingdom is revealed, not learned or earned. It’s an act of divine grace that invites us into intimacy with Him.
The Secret of the Kingdom Is Revealed, Not Learned
Jesus says, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you.” This shows that the knowledge of God’s kingdom is revealed, not learned or earned. It’s an act of divine grace that invites us into intimacy with Him.
The Kingdom’s Secret Is a “Good Secret” — Meant to Be Shared
Unlike most secrets meant to be kept hidden, the “secret” of the kingdom is like good news waiting to be told. It’s the kind of secret that begins with a few and is meant to spread to many — starting with the disciples and continuing through us.
Unlike most secrets meant to be kept hidden, the “secret” of the kingdom is like good news waiting to be told. It’s the kind of secret that begins with a few and is meant to spread to many — starting with the disciples and continuing through us.
The Parables Both Conceal and Reveal
Jesus’ parables act like a filter for the heart. They illuminate truth for those who are open and receptive, yet harden those who resist. Like sunlight that both melts wax and hardens clay, the same message produces different effects depending on one’s heart condition.
Jesus Is the Lamp of God — the Light That Cannot Be Hidden
Just as a lamp’s purpose is to illuminate a dark room, Jesus came to reveal the truth of God’s kingdom. His light exposes, reveals, and transforms. He is both the Lamp who brings light and the Lamb who gives life.
Jesus’ parables act like a filter for the heart. They illuminate truth for those who are open and receptive, yet harden those who resist. Like sunlight that both melts wax and hardens clay, the same message produces different effects depending on one’s heart condition.
Jesus Is the Lamp of God — the Light That Cannot Be Hidden
Just as a lamp’s purpose is to illuminate a dark room, Jesus came to reveal the truth of God’s kingdom. His light exposes, reveals, and transforms. He is both the Lamp who brings light and the Lamb who gives life.
The Lamp Is the Lamb — the Cross as the Ultimate Revelation
The greatest illumination of God’s kingdom comes through the cross. The King’s glory is revealed in His sacrifice. The light of the world shines brightest through the humility, love, and suffering of Jesus, the Lamb of God
The greatest illumination of God’s kingdom comes through the cross. The King’s glory is revealed in His sacrifice. The light of the world shines brightest through the humility, love, and suffering of Jesus, the Lamb of God
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Can you recall a time when you had a "positive personal happening" that only you knew about and had yet to tell another person? A time when you "good news just waiting to be told." How did it make you feel? What do you think about the "the kingdom of God" being in that category of secret?
2 Jesus said parables reveal and conceal based on the heart’s condition. In what ways have you experienced this with your own heart - times when your heart has been more like wax or more like clay when it comes to receiving the truth of God?
3 How does it feel to know that Jesus has entrusted the secret of God’s Kingdom to you personally? The sermon described the “secret of the kingdom” as both a blessing and a burden. In what ways have you experienced both the wonder and the weight of sharing what God has revealed to you?
4 The sermon concluded that “the Lamp is the Lamb.” How does seeing Jesus’ light through His sacrificial love help you understand God’s kingdom — and shape how you live within it?
1 Can you recall a time when you had a "positive personal happening" that only you knew about and had yet to tell another person? A time when you "good news just waiting to be told." How did it make you feel? What do you think about the "the kingdom of God" being in that category of secret?
2 Jesus said parables reveal and conceal based on the heart’s condition. In what ways have you experienced this with your own heart - times when your heart has been more like wax or more like clay when it comes to receiving the truth of God?
3 How does it feel to know that Jesus has entrusted the secret of God’s Kingdom to you personally? The sermon described the “secret of the kingdom” as both a blessing and a burden. In what ways have you experienced both the wonder and the weight of sharing what God has revealed to you?
4 The sermon concluded that “the Lamp is the Lamb.” How does seeing Jesus’ light through His sacrificial love help you understand God’s kingdom — and shape how you live within it?
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Mark 4:1-20
1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water's edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered
because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." 9 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is
said in parables 12 so that, " 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!' " 13 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop--thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." NIV 84
1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water's edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered
because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." 9 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is
said in parables 12 so that, " 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!' " 13 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop--thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." NIV 84
Lesson Notes
The Kingdom Looks Different Than Expected: Instead of arriving with royal pageantry or military power, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a farmer sowing seed—small, quiet, and grassroots, yet destined for great harvest.
The Kingdom Looks Different Than Expected: Instead of arriving with royal pageantry or military power, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a farmer sowing seed—small, quiet, and grassroots, yet destined for great harvest.
Parables Are More Than Illustrations: Warren Wiersbe described parables as starting as a picture, becoming a mirror where we see ourselves, and then a window through which we see God and His truth.
The Progression of the Soil: Jesus’ parable shows a progression of the heart—from hard soil, to shallow, to crowded with weeds, to fruitful soil producing thirty, sixty, or even a hundredfold. Everyone is somewhere along this journey, and there is always room for growth.
The Weeds of the Heart: Worry, wealth, and worldly desires remain timeless distractions that choke out spiritual growth if not pulled up by the root. They may not always be “bad things,” but they become harmful when they take priority over God.
The Generous Sower: The parable ultimately reveals God as the Sower, who lavishly scatters His Word on all types of soil. His invitation is for everyone to receive the kingdom—promptly, deeply, totally, and abundantly.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. When you hear the phrase “kingdom of God,” what images or expectations come to mind, and how does Jesus’ description in Mark 4 reshape your understanding?
2. Looking at the “soil progression” Jesus describes, where would you honestly place yourself right now—and what would it look like for you to take the next step toward deeper fruitfulness?
3. Of the three weeds—worry, wealth, or worldly distractions—which one most often threatens to choke out your spiritual growth? What practical steps could help you “pull it up by the roots”?
4. Parables act as a picture, a mirror, and a window. Which of these three aspects of the parable of the sower (picture of the kingdom, mirror of the heart, or window into God) spoke to you most in this sermon, and why?
1. When you hear the phrase “kingdom of God,” what images or expectations come to mind, and how does Jesus’ description in Mark 4 reshape your understanding?
2. Looking at the “soil progression” Jesus describes, where would you honestly place yourself right now—and what would it look like for you to take the next step toward deeper fruitfulness?
3. Of the three weeds—worry, wealth, or worldly distractions—which one most often threatens to choke out your spiritual growth? What practical steps could help you “pull it up by the roots”?
4. Parables act as a picture, a mirror, and a window. Which of these three aspects of the parable of the sower (picture of the kingdom, mirror of the heart, or window into God) spoke to you most in this sermon, and why?
Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Mark 3:13-35
13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve[a] that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve[a] that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”
30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Lesson Notes
Outline of Mark 3:13-35
13-19 - Jesus appoints the 12
20-21 - Jesus' family notified
22-30 - Conflict with teachers of the law
31-35 - Jesus' family arrives
The teachers of the law have a new strategy to deal with Jesus. They don't question his actions. Instead they accuse him of being on the wrong team.
The key question of this text is "what team is Jesus on?"
NT Wright on the "unforgiveable sin" of 28-29:
“Once you label what is in fact the work of the Holy Spirit as the work of the devil, there’s no way back […] It isn’t that God gets specially angry with one sin in particular. It’s rather that if you decide firmly that the doctor who is offering to perform a life-saving operation on you is in fact a sadistic murderer, you will never give your consent to the operation.”
Family was the key to identity in the first century. Jesus' refusal to acknowledge his family indicate that he has a "new team".
Mark highlights moments of this narrative to demonstrate how Jesus identifies his allegiance not to the demons (as the teachers of the law accuse him of) nor his family, as society expects, but instead is creating something new to belong to.
- He begins (13-19) and ends (33-35) this section by showing who his new team is.
Outline of Mark 3:13-35
13-19 - Jesus appoints the 12
20-21 - Jesus' family notified
22-30 - Conflict with teachers of the law
31-35 - Jesus' family arrives
The teachers of the law have a new strategy to deal with Jesus. They don't question his actions. Instead they accuse him of being on the wrong team.
The key question of this text is "what team is Jesus on?"
NT Wright on the "unforgiveable sin" of 28-29:
“Once you label what is in fact the work of the Holy Spirit as the work of the devil, there’s no way back […] It isn’t that God gets specially angry with one sin in particular. It’s rather that if you decide firmly that the doctor who is offering to perform a life-saving operation on you is in fact a sadistic murderer, you will never give your consent to the operation.”
Family was the key to identity in the first century. Jesus' refusal to acknowledge his family indicate that he has a "new team".
Mark highlights moments of this narrative to demonstrate how Jesus identifies his allegiance not to the demons (as the teachers of the law accuse him of) nor his family, as society expects, but instead is creating something new to belong to.
- He begins (13-19) and ends (33-35) this section by showing who his new team is.
Ephesians 6:12 - Paul writes in a time of great Christian persecution that our enemies are not "flesh and blood" but rather spiritual force. People are not our enemy.
Jesus invites us to a new team - one that doesn't see people as enemies, but rather people who just haven't joined up yet.
- We are invited to see people how Jesus sees them, rather than boiling them down to a political idea or unlikable label.
- We can love those we would never otherwise love because Jesus has given us his undeserved love first.
Jesus invites us to a new team - one that doesn't see people as enemies, but rather people who just haven't joined up yet.
- We are invited to see people how Jesus sees them, rather than boiling them down to a political idea or unlikable label.
- We can love those we would never otherwise love because Jesus has given us his undeserved love first.
Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Mark 2:23-28
23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" 25 He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." 27 Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." NIV 84
23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" 25 He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." 27 Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." NIV 84
Lesson Notes
God Designed Us for Rest
From creation, God modeled rest by ceasing from His work on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3). The Sabbath was meant as a gift, not a burden—a rhythm of rest that restores both body and soul.
God Designed Us for Rest
From creation, God modeled rest by ceasing from His work on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3). The Sabbath was meant as a gift, not a burden—a rhythm of rest that restores both body and soul.
The Sabbath Is a Provision, Not a Prohibition
Jesus reminds us that God’s commands are intended for our good. Just as the showbread was given to David as provision, the Sabbath is meant to care for us, not restrict us.
Jesus reminds us that God’s commands are intended for our good. Just as the showbread was given to David as provision, the Sabbath is meant to care for us, not restrict us.
Religion Can Complicate What God Made Simple
The Pharisees burdened the Sabbath with rules, missing the heart of God’s intention. Jesus simplified it: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."
The Pharisees burdened the Sabbath with rules, missing the heart of God’s intention. Jesus simplified it: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."
Relationship Over Religion
True obedience flows out of relationship with God, not rigid rule-keeping. Religion says, “Obey so that God will love me.” Relationship says, “God loves me, therefore I obey.”
True obedience flows out of relationship with God, not rigid rule-keeping. Religion says, “Obey so that God will love me.” Relationship says, “God loves me, therefore I obey.”
Jesus Is Our True Rest
As “Lord of the Sabbath,” Jesus is more than a teacher of rest—He is our rest. Vacations, sleep, and downtime are good, but only in Christ do we find the kind of rest that nothing else can satisfy.
As “Lord of the Sabbath,” Jesus is more than a teacher of rest—He is our rest. Vacations, sleep, and downtime are good, but only in Christ do we find the kind of rest that nothing else can satisfy.
Discussion Questions
1 In what ways have you experienced the effects of being physically, emotionally, or spiritually tired? What are some intentional ways you could practice a "rhythm of rest" each week without turning it into a legalistic checklist?
2 Can you think of areas in your life where you’ve turned God’s good gift into a burden (like the Pharisees did with the Sabbath)? How can you shift your perspective to see God’s commands as provision?
3 How does focusing on God’s love and relationship with Him transform the way you approach obedience compared to a rule-focused mindset?
4 Jesus offers deep soul-rest beyond sleep or vacations. What would it look like for you to experience that rest in Him this week? What does it practically look like for you to find your true rest in Jesus during a busy week?
1 In what ways have you experienced the effects of being physically, emotionally, or spiritually tired? What are some intentional ways you could practice a "rhythm of rest" each week without turning it into a legalistic checklist?
2 Can you think of areas in your life where you’ve turned God’s good gift into a burden (like the Pharisees did with the Sabbath)? How can you shift your perspective to see God’s commands as provision?
3 How does focusing on God’s love and relationship with Him transform the way you approach obedience compared to a rule-focused mindset?
4 Jesus offers deep soul-rest beyond sleep or vacations. What would it look like for you to experience that rest in Him this week? What does it practically look like for you to find your true rest in Jesus during a busy week?
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Mark 2:18-22
18 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?" 19 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them 20 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and on that day they will fast. 21 No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins."
18 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?" 19 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them 20 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and on that day they will fast. 21 No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins."
Lesson Notes
The Presence of Jesus is Cause for Celebration
Just as no one fasts at a wedding feast, the disciples rejoiced because the Bridegroom (Jesus) was with them. Our faith is not primarily about rules, but about enjoying the presence of Christ.
Spiritual Disciplines Are Relational, Not Ritual
Fasting and other practices are not meant to prove our holiness but to draw us closer to Jesus. They shift from “religion-driven” to “relationship-driven.”
God is Not in the Tailoring Business—He Creates Something New
Jesus didn’t come to patch up old garments but to make us new creations. Christianity is not about self-improvement but transformation through Christ.
The Holy Spirit Fills and Expands Us
Like fermentation, the Spirit produces fruit within us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This inner change expands our capacity to live in God’s kingdom.
The Kingdom of God Redefines Expectations
Jesus’ ministry of feasting with sinners broke religious categories. The kingdom isn’t about separation but about transformation through God’s presence and Spirit.
The Presence of Jesus is Cause for Celebration
Just as no one fasts at a wedding feast, the disciples rejoiced because the Bridegroom (Jesus) was with them. Our faith is not primarily about rules, but about enjoying the presence of Christ.
Spiritual Disciplines Are Relational, Not Ritual
Fasting and other practices are not meant to prove our holiness but to draw us closer to Jesus. They shift from “religion-driven” to “relationship-driven.”
God is Not in the Tailoring Business—He Creates Something New
Jesus didn’t come to patch up old garments but to make us new creations. Christianity is not about self-improvement but transformation through Christ.
The Holy Spirit Fills and Expands Us
Like fermentation, the Spirit produces fruit within us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This inner change expands our capacity to live in God’s kingdom.
The Kingdom of God Redefines Expectations
Jesus’ ministry of feasting with sinners broke religious categories. The kingdom isn’t about separation but about transformation through God’s presence and Spirit.
Discussion Questions
1. In what ways might we sometimes treat faith as a ritual rather than a relationship, and how can we shift our mindset away from performance and to presence with Jesus?
2. Jesus compared being in His presence to a wedding feast. What does it look like to live with a sense of celebration and joy in our daily lives?
3. How do you personally recognize when your “old garments” (old ways, old habits, old identities) need to be replaced with the “new clothing” of Christ?
4. The Holy Spirit works in us like fermentation, slowly transforming us. Which fruit of the Spirit do you most long to see expand in your life right now?
5. Jesus’ willingness to eat with sinners challenged the religious culture of His day. Who might we be hesitant to sit at the table with, and how does the kingdom of God challenge that hesitation?
1. In what ways might we sometimes treat faith as a ritual rather than a relationship, and how can we shift our mindset away from performance and to presence with Jesus?
2. Jesus compared being in His presence to a wedding feast. What does it look like to live with a sense of celebration and joy in our daily lives?
3. How do you personally recognize when your “old garments” (old ways, old habits, old identities) need to be replaced with the “new clothing” of Christ?
4. The Holy Spirit works in us like fermentation, slowly transforming us. Which fruit of the Spirit do you most long to see expand in your life right now?
5. Jesus’ willingness to eat with sinners challenged the religious culture of His day. Who might we be hesitant to sit at the table with, and how does the kingdom of God challenge that hesitation?
Sunday Aug 24, 2025
Sunday Aug 24, 2025
Mark 2:13-17
13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Lesson Notes/Discussion Questions
1 There are over 30,000 students and 10,000 staff who go to school and work on the University of Kentucky's campus. Who were some classmates/peers or professors that had a profound impact on you while you were in school? Why?
2 In a culture that hated Levi, Jesus gave him a fresh start. As you examine your current season of life, are there any areas where you are longing for a fresh start? If so, where?
3 Each one of us is looking for two things: our people and our place. Belonging is one of the deep needs of the human soul. Over the course of your life, when have you experienced a time where you didn't belong in a certain place/with a certain people? What about a time when you found exactly your place and exactly your people? What was the difference in these environments and interactions?
4 Jesus created a space for us to belong with Him and with others. What rhythms of your life have allowed for you to experience both of these opportunities? Where have you struggled to see this truth become a reality?
5 Just as Jesus created an environment of belonging for those around Him, we are to do the same for those around us. What do you think this looks like in your current season of life? What are some current challenges or perceived challenges you may face within this?
1 There are over 30,000 students and 10,000 staff who go to school and work on the University of Kentucky's campus. Who were some classmates/peers or professors that had a profound impact on you while you were in school? Why?
2 In a culture that hated Levi, Jesus gave him a fresh start. As you examine your current season of life, are there any areas where you are longing for a fresh start? If so, where?
3 Each one of us is looking for two things: our people and our place. Belonging is one of the deep needs of the human soul. Over the course of your life, when have you experienced a time where you didn't belong in a certain place/with a certain people? What about a time when you found exactly your place and exactly your people? What was the difference in these environments and interactions?
4 Jesus created a space for us to belong with Him and with others. What rhythms of your life have allowed for you to experience both of these opportunities? Where have you struggled to see this truth become a reality?
5 Just as Jesus created an environment of belonging for those around Him, we are to do the same for those around us. What do you think this looks like in your current season of life? What are some current challenges or perceived challenges you may face within this?
Sunday Aug 17, 2025
Sunday Aug 17, 2025
Mark 2:1-12
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Lesson Notes
When you mistake someone’s identity, more mistakes follow.
When you mistake someone’s identity, more mistakes follow.
- You make wrong assumptions.
- You say the wrong thing.
- You come to wrong conclusions.
Mark chapter 2 marks the beginning of a series of 5 conflicts
- Mark 2:1-12
- Mark 2:13-17
- Mark 2:18-22
- Mark 2:23-27
- Mark 3:1-6
In each, Jesus does something unexpected, the teachers of the law challenge him, and Jesus responds in a way that silences them.
The conclusion of these conflicts (3:6) shows us the first signs pointing to Jesus' death.
The conclusion of these conflicts (3:6) shows us the first signs pointing to Jesus' death.
Roofing
Homes generally had roof access.
Roofs were constructed by a few support timbers with smaller sticks and beams laid crosswise, then smaller twigs and thistles, and finally a layer of packed dirt on top.
The Question
Jesus' question in verse 9 has two possible answers:
Homes generally had roof access.
Roofs were constructed by a few support timbers with smaller sticks and beams laid crosswise, then smaller twigs and thistles, and finally a layer of packed dirt on top.
The Question
Jesus' question in verse 9 has two possible answers:
- It is easier to say your sins are forgiven, because there is no immediate, outward evidence.
- Ultimately, both are impossible for man. If Jesus has the authority to heal with a word, he has the authority to forgive sins in the same way.
Four Different Kinds of Allegiance:
1 Authentic allegiance - the leper in Mark 1:40
2 Affordable allegiance - the rich young man in Mark 10:17
3 Apathetic allegiance - the soldiers in Mark 15:19
4 A la carte allegiance - the teachers of the law in Mark 2:1-12
When we settle for a God who does not deserve our everything, we are settling for a "god" who cannot give us what we need.
1 Authentic allegiance - the leper in Mark 1:40
2 Affordable allegiance - the rich young man in Mark 10:17
3 Apathetic allegiance - the soldiers in Mark 15:19
4 A la carte allegiance - the teachers of the law in Mark 2:1-12
When we settle for a God who does not deserve our everything, we are settling for a "god" who cannot give us what we need.
Discussion Questions
1. Ice Breaker: Discuss your thoughts on the Joshua Bell experiment (with the violinist). Then share some examples of mistaken identity.
2. In what ways would Jesus' actions in this passage have been surprising or shocking to his audience?
3. What do you think of the logic the teachers of the law use, and the conclusion they come to? Is the flaw with their theology, or with something else?
4. What do you think of Jesus' response in verse 9? What is he trying to communicate to the teachers of the law or the crowd?
5. The teachers of the law come to the wrong conclusion about Jesus' identity. What are some wrong ideas about who Jesus is that float around today?
6. Jeremy presented a fourth type of allegiance: "a la carte allegiance", where someone picks and chooses which parts of Jesus they want and discards the rest. What might that look like today?
7. Jeremy said "when we settle for a God who does not deserve our everything, we are settling for a 'god' who cannot give us what we need." In what ways is that true?
1. Ice Breaker: Discuss your thoughts on the Joshua Bell experiment (with the violinist). Then share some examples of mistaken identity.
2. In what ways would Jesus' actions in this passage have been surprising or shocking to his audience?
3. What do you think of the logic the teachers of the law use, and the conclusion they come to? Is the flaw with their theology, or with something else?
4. What do you think of Jesus' response in verse 9? What is he trying to communicate to the teachers of the law or the crowd?
5. The teachers of the law come to the wrong conclusion about Jesus' identity. What are some wrong ideas about who Jesus is that float around today?
6. Jeremy presented a fourth type of allegiance: "a la carte allegiance", where someone picks and chooses which parts of Jesus they want and discards the rest. What might that look like today?
7. Jeremy said "when we settle for a God who does not deserve our everything, we are settling for a 'god' who cannot give us what we need." In what ways is that true?
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Mark 1:35-45
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" 38 Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving our demons. 40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." 41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. NIV 84
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" 38 Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving our demons. 40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." 41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. NIV 84
Lesson Notes
Prayer as Appointment - in verse 35, there is an emphasis on both the "priority" of his prayer and the "prior to" of his prayer. Corrie Ten Boom said, "Don’t just pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.”
A Painless Hell - a researcher and physician named Paul Brand called leprosy this due to its anesthetic qualities. It brings total numbness to all your extremities including your ears, eyes, and nose.
Come. Compassion. Complete.
1 The leper comes to Christ
2 Christ has compassion for the leper
3 Christ completely cleans the leper
Three Different Kinds of Allegiance:
1 Authentic allegiance - the leper in Mark 1:40
2 Affordable allegiance - the rich young man in Mark 10:17
3 Apathetic allegiance - the soldiers in Mark 15:19
Compassion - the Greek word translated as compassion is the word "splagchnizomai." It comes from a word meaning "guts." The word means to feel deeply as in the depths of one's bowels. The word is used only 12 times in all of the NT and each time it’s used it is related to Jesus.
Prayer as Appointment - in verse 35, there is an emphasis on both the "priority" of his prayer and the "prior to" of his prayer. Corrie Ten Boom said, "Don’t just pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.”
A Painless Hell - a researcher and physician named Paul Brand called leprosy this due to its anesthetic qualities. It brings total numbness to all your extremities including your ears, eyes, and nose.
Come. Compassion. Complete.
1 The leper comes to Christ
2 Christ has compassion for the leper
3 Christ completely cleans the leper
Three Different Kinds of Allegiance:
1 Authentic allegiance - the leper in Mark 1:40
2 Affordable allegiance - the rich young man in Mark 10:17
3 Apathetic allegiance - the soldiers in Mark 15:19
Compassion - the Greek word translated as compassion is the word "splagchnizomai." It comes from a word meaning "guts." The word means to feel deeply as in the depths of one's bowels. The word is used only 12 times in all of the NT and each time it’s used it is related to Jesus.
Discussion Questions
1. Ice Breaker: What would you say are the top three things that disgust you and why?
2. Verse 35 emphasizes the priority and prior to of Jesus’ prayer life. How could you rearrange your schedule or habits so that prayer becomes a non-negotiable, intentional appointment rather than an afterthought?
3. The man with leprosy approached Jesus with authentic allegiance—kneeling in humility and trusting His power. In your own life, what might it look like to approach Jesus with that same kind of genuine surrender?
4. Jesus responded to the leper with compassion rather than disgust. Who are the “hard-to-love” people in your life right now, and what steps could you take to respond to them more like Jesus?
5. The story shows that Jesus’ holiness “contaminates” us in a positive way—making the unclean clean. Where in your life do you need to invite Jesus’ cleansing power?
1. Ice Breaker: What would you say are the top three things that disgust you and why?
2. Verse 35 emphasizes the priority and prior to of Jesus’ prayer life. How could you rearrange your schedule or habits so that prayer becomes a non-negotiable, intentional appointment rather than an afterthought?
3. The man with leprosy approached Jesus with authentic allegiance—kneeling in humility and trusting His power. In your own life, what might it look like to approach Jesus with that same kind of genuine surrender?
4. Jesus responded to the leper with compassion rather than disgust. Who are the “hard-to-love” people in your life right now, and what steps could you take to respond to them more like Jesus?
5. The story shows that Jesus’ holiness “contaminates” us in a positive way—making the unclean clean. Where in your life do you need to invite Jesus’ cleansing power?