12. “Lessons in discipleship” Mark 14:43-72

LEARNING ABOUT PERSONAL WEAKNESS

- It can lead to betrayal and rejection

1. Rejection can come after intimate knowledge of Jesus (43-52)

a) Judas knew Jesus well

b) Love of money was his problem (Matt. 26:14-16)

- see John 12:4-6 and 1 Tim.6:10)

c) All of us have a potential weakness in our characters

- think of the effects of affluence

laziness

permissiveness

d) Decisions are constantly being made about Jesus

2. Rejection can come from prejudice (53-65)

a) The chief priests thought they had Jesus sussed out

b) There are lots of people like them

c) So clear communication is important

3> Rejection can come through embarrassment or fear (66-72)

a) Fear makes us say things we know aren’t true

b) It’s a trap Christians can easily fall into

c) There’s a way back

d) Jesus understood and restored Peter

TALKING POINTS

12. LEARNING ABOUT PERSONAL WEAKNESS Mark 14:43-72

1. What do you feel are the main reasons why someone who makes a profession of faith in Jesus Christ goes back? Mark 4:13-19 points to some of the factors involved. Discuss how these factors affect people today. Try thinking of specific examples.

What other problem areas exist, not referred to in these verses? Think through the issues raised in the outline under 1.c.

2. Because of the above factors it is necessary to nurture those who make decisions to follow Jesus. So we had nurture or discovery groups after Mission ‘89.

What are the main matters to concentrate on in such groups? See how Timothy set about helping the new Thessalonian Christians (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5). Itemise what he did, and why. What issues do you think are especially important to cover nowadays a. for young people; b. for young married couples and families; c. for older people?

3. What prejudices do people have today about the Christian faith and Christians, which become reasons for refusing to think seriously about commitment to Christ?

First, list those prejudices/objections and then discuss how you would try to resolve the problems raised.

4. What are the common reasons for Christians not telling their colleagues at work that they belong to Christ. What advice would you give someone who found him or herself in this position? Itemise the problems and suggest ways of dealing with them.

5. How would you seek to help someone who said, `I’ve let Jesus down again and again when I’ve been scared to speak up for Him. I think I’ve blown it and He’s given up on me’? Think of the way in which Jesus helped Peter (John 21:15-22), and the general principles of 1 John 1:9; John 5:24; 10:28,29.

6. There are other areas of personal weakness where Christians get involved in sexual immorality, drugs - or disobedience of any kind. How would you help to bring them back to a right relationship with the Lord Jesus?