Group Discussion Guide
Kingdom of God, Part 3
This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
LOVING
First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
- How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
- What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
- How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
LEARNING
The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).
Scripture References from Message: Mark 5:24-34
Big Idea from Message: King Jesus frees us to be merciful people in a merciless world.
While on his journey to heal a little girl who is dying, Jesus is interrupted by a woman who has been sick for 12 years and continued to get worse. Read Mark 5:24-26 together as a group. Why do you think Mark emphasizes her desperation so strongly? In your own words, how would you describe the desperation of the woman?
Note how Jesus pauses His original mission (healing Jairus’s daughter) to help the desperate woman. What stands out to you about Jesus’ willingness to be interrupted? Have you ever felt too busy to help someone in need? How might Jesus’ example challenge that?
Continue reading the story of Jairus’ daughter in Mark 5:34-43. In short, Jesus encourages Jairus not to fear when he hears that his daughter has died, then enters the house, speaks a simple command, and raises her from the dead. Imagine hearing tragic news of a loved one lost, yet Jesus saying, “Do not fear. Just believe.” Describe how you would respond to that situation? Compare it to any personal experiences you’ve had while encountering the love of Jesus in the midst of tragedy.
What do you notice about the contrast between Jairus, a respected leader, and the unnamed woman just healed? How does Jesus show mercy here, and why is it significant that He addresses both situations so personally?
How can we keep faith in God’s mercy even when circumstances appear hopeless or delayed?
Scripture References from Message: Mark 5:24-34
Big Idea from Message: King Jesus frees us to be merciful people in a merciless world.
While on his journey to heal a little girl who is dying, Jesus is interrupted by a woman who has been sick for 12 years and continued to get worse. Read Mark 5:24-26 together as a group. Why do you think Mark emphasizes her desperation so strongly? In your own words, how would you describe the desperation of the woman?
Note how Jesus pauses His original mission (healing Jairus’s daughter) to help the desperate woman. What stands out to you about Jesus’ willingness to be interrupted? Have you ever felt too busy to help someone in need? How might Jesus’ example challenge that?
Continue reading the story of Jairus’ daughter in Mark 5:34-43. In short, Jesus encourages Jairus not to fear when he hears that his daughter has died, then enters the house, speaks a simple command, and raises her from the dead. Imagine hearing tragic news of a loved one lost, yet Jesus saying, “Do not fear. Just believe.” Describe how you would respond to that situation? Compare it to any personal experiences you’ve had while encountering the love of Jesus in the midst of tragedy.
What do you notice about the contrast between Jairus, a respected leader, and the unnamed woman just healed? How does Jesus show mercy here, and why is it significant that He addresses both situations so personally?
How can we keep faith in God’s mercy even when circumstances appear hopeless or delayed?
LIVING
The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.
Look for someone who needs kindness or a listening ear, and choose to be “interruptible” for them—even when it’s inconvenient. Pay attention to subtle nudges throughout the day—moments when you might pause to show mercy or compassion. Challenge yourself not just to notice these needs but to act on them, believing that God can work through your willingness. Pray for eyes to see the hurting and for a heart ready to respond. Then, step out in faith, trusting God to supply both the strength and the love you need for every opportunity.
Look for someone who needs kindness or a listening ear, and choose to be “interruptible” for them—even when it’s inconvenient. Pay attention to subtle nudges throughout the day—moments when you might pause to show mercy or compassion. Challenge yourself not just to notice these needs but to act on them, believing that God can work through your willingness. Pray for eyes to see the hurting and for a heart ready to respond. Then, step out in faith, trusting God to supply both the strength and the love you need for every opportunity.