Big Idea

What changed when Jesus came? The least were loved.

Scripture

Mark 10:46-52

Ice Breaker

Who is the most famous person you know or have met?

Opening Thought

It might be a surprise for some of you, but everything about Jesus and his kingdom is upside down. It seems to be the opposite of what we expect. Jesus came to change the paradigm of what people thought following God meant. We see example after example of Jesus saying things like it is better to give than to receive, or, if you want to be first, you must be last; if you want to preserve your life, you have to lose your life. What do you think about the upside-down teaching and ways of Jesus? How do the ways of Jesus brush up against our culture?

Bible Discussion

1. Read Mark 10:46-52 together as a group. (Perhaps read the MSG and NIV versions to get a sense of the nuance in different versions of scripture.) What stands out to you? Why?
2. Why was the man shouting? Why was the man being shushed?
3. Have you ever been shushed? How did you feel about that? How might the man feel about Jesus’ request to call out to him?
4. How is this an example of Jesus turning the world upside down?

Life Application

5. The blind man represents to us today “the unimpressive”, “the messy”, and “the outsider” — the least. When have you felt like the least?
6. How has following Jesus turned your life upside down?
7. How might this story inform the way we interact with those in need? One example is to think about the interactions you’ve had with people asking for money on the street corner. How do you respond to them? What story do you tell yourself about their circumstances? How does this story in Mark challenge you to think or respond differently?
8. Who in your world feels like a “least,” and how is God calling you? How is God calling you to love this Christmas?