Why Does It Matter?

Main Scripture: Mark 2:23-38

Don’t stop here; keep the conversation going on The Breakdown. Each week, we take this message further, talk through real-life applications, and wrestle with the questions you’re already asking. Just search “Journey Church with James Hilton” wherever you listen to podcasts or on YouTube.

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  1. In this week’s sermon, Pastor James talked about the difference between what we do and why we do it – and how two people can do the exact same thing for completely different reasons.
  2. What stood out to you most from the idea that you can do all the right things for all the wrong reasons — and nobody on the outside would ever know the difference?
  3. Pastor James said, “You can perfect the process but miss the presence.”What do you think he means by that? Does that resonate with you at all?
  4. The Pharisees had built an elaborate system of 39 categories of forbidden work around one command God gave so people could rest and connect with him. What does it tell us about human nature that we can take something meant to bring us close to God and turn it into something that keeps us at a distance?
  5. In Mark 2:27, Jesus says, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” In your own words, what is the difference between those two things? What goes wrong when we flip that order?
  6. In Mark 2:28, Jesus calls himself “Lord even of the Sabbath.” Why is that such a significant claim? What is Jesus saying about who he is — and what does it mean that he is the rest, not just the ruler of a rest day?
  7. Pastor James pointed to Psalm 19:7–8, which describes God’s law as “refreshing” and “giving joy to the heart.” How does that description of God’s commands compare to the way the Pharisees were treating the Sabbath? What’s the difference between a burden and a gift — even when they look the same on the outside?
  8. Pastor James described two men who look identical on the outside — both pursuing God, both praying, reading, and showing up. The only difference is the sentence underneath it all:
    • “God loves me because I pursue him.”
    • “I pursue God because he loves me.”

Which of those sentences sounds more like you right now? Be honest. Why?

Prayer:

God, I’m asking you to help me get the order right. Help me have the right “why.” Help me stop running toward you like I’m trying to catch up and help me start moving out of what I already have in you. I don’t want to perfect the process and miss your presence. I want you. Not the routine. Not the rhythm. You. Thank you that there’s nothing left to prove. Help me actually believe that this week. Amen.