Pastor Dave Pretlove; Brett and Lydia Long

1. Pastor Dave talked about how we are connected more than ever before and yet we are lonelier than ever. What factors do you think contribute to this?

2. When you think of God’s design for community, which pieces of Scripture or stories from the Bible remind you of the importance for community?

3. As you learn about Jesus and study his life through the Gospels, how do you see Jesus living in community?

4. Read 1 Peter 3:8-9 aloud as a group. What is something that’s illuminated to you in this reading? Different parts of these verses may stand out to different people in your group. Reflect on what

5. For this upcoming quarter, how can this group be better at knowing and loving each other? Choose one tangible change to experiment with.

6. Who is someone in your life that seems weary or lonely? How will you reach out this week and remind them that they are known and loved by you (and God!)?

God, as I hold ___ a moment in my thoughts,

I ask that you would hold them eternally in yours,

remaining ever at work in their heart and life,

even now directing their paths toward your good ends.

Reflect on Mark 10:46-52 again. Ask God to reveal what ways you have “shushed” others like the crowds do to Bartimaeus in verse 48. Spend some time confessing that to God and asking him to forgive the times you have pushed people away. If appropriate, make plans to ask that person for forgiveness. Then ask God to reveal a way you can “usher” someone to Jesus like in verse 49. Who in your life can you reach out to this week and say, “Take heart. Get up; Jesus is calling you.”? Let’s usher others to the heart of Jesus this week.

On Sunday we talked about the story of Jesus with Bartimaeus in Mark 10. We focused on the crowds’ interaction and response to Bartimaeus. I pray you’re taking time this week to reflect on moving from shushing to ushering people closer to Jesus. I also want us to look at the end of the story – Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus.

Jesus doesn’t assume what Bartimaeus wants. He is God and he already knows but I think Jesus is modeling something for us here. In verse 51, Jesus asks Bartimaeus this question: “What do you want me to do for you?” He asks to recover his sight and Jesus declares that Bartimaeus’ faith has made him well. He recovers his sight and follows Jesus!

Jesus doesn’t just heal Bartimaeus right away. He engages him in conversation and he wants to truly

Blessings,

Lydia Long