40 Days Discussion Questions :: Week 3
A Better Way to Greatness – Mark 10:35-45
Jesus desires for you to flourish and achieve greatness in your life; it's a vision He crafted for you even before you were born. He created and has destined you for greatness! But God’s definition of greatness radically differs from most people's. It isn't about ascending to a position where others cater to your desires or serve you. Instead, it's about allowing God's power to flow through you more fully, enriching the lives of those around you. God doesn't limit His transformative work to those the world deems 'great'; He moves through anyone open to placing greater trust in Him. This week we will discuss how in following Jesus, you are invited to embrace a better way to greatness—a life in which God works through you.
Memory Verse for Week 3: “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45
1. What thought, or point stood out to you this from this week’s message?
2. Who had the most significant influence in your life? What was it about that person that had such an impact on you?
3. Read Mark 10:35-45. Jesus never rebukes the disciples for WANTING to be great. Instead, where does Jesus FOCUS their attention?
4. Read Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man (Title of power for Jesus) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Basically, Jesus is saying You are trying to prove your greatness. I see you as so great I am willing to die for you. If Jesus’ blood is shed for all mankind, without prejudice of race or gender, who can we say is destined for greatness?
5. When God calls us to serve Him, whatever He calls us to seems to be more than what we think we can do. Can you share a personal experience where depending on Jesus' power enabled you to accomplish something beyond your own capabilities?
6. Pastor James said: “Embrace greatness as God’s vision for you.” When we don’t embrace God’s vision for greatness, we create our own vision of greatness and that is what destroys our life. Discuss the difference between the “world’s” definition of greatness and God’s.
7. Pastor James said: “I have to take my eyes off of myself and focus on what Jesus Christ has called and empowered me to do.” In what ways does recognizing our limitations lead to a deeper reliance on God? How does that show greatness?
8. Greatness is not determined by what you can do, but by what God can do through you to serve Jesus. How does directing our focus towards Jesus, instead of ourselves or those we serve, contribute to bringing glory to God?
- Last week we talked about who you can love. This week we talked about how we can serve. One of the greatest ways to serve someone is to invite them to our Easter services. Who are you praying for and asking to join us?
- We encourage you to join us for one, or all, of our Night of Prayer events. They all start at 6:30 pm.
Daytona - March 12 - 1200 Floral Springs Blvd. Port Orange, FL, 32129
Orange City - March 14 - OC Campus - Main Auditorium Front Steps
Online (streamed) - March 17
DeLand - March 19 - Chess Park
Deltona - March 21 - Center at Deltona
- Be sure to mark your calendar and plan to attend Consume, our Good Friday Worship Service, on March 29, at 6:30 pm, on our Orange City location. Childcare is not provided for Consume.