Mark 6:45-56 (NLT)

⁴⁵ Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. ⁴⁶ After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

⁴⁷ Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. ⁴⁸ He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. ⁵⁰ They were all terrified when they saw him.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” ⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, ⁵² for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.

⁵³ After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore ⁵⁴ and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, ⁵⁵ and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. ⁵⁶ Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

1. Adopting Jesus’ routine of solitude.

Jesus went up into the hills by himself to pray.

◾ Paying attention. ◾ Hearing God’s voice.

One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. ² There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. ³ “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” ⁴ When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. ⁵ “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. ⁶ I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 3:1–6 (NLT)

There seems to be a cause-and-effect relationship between Moses’ willingness to pay attention and God’s willingness to speak... The practice of paying attention awakens us to what is extraordinary in the midst of the ordinary. As we live our lives in humble response to the One who is calling to us out of the burning bush in our own lives, we discover that we are standing on holy ground more often than we think. Ruth Haley Barton, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership (pages 61,70)

2. Taking a second look at Jesus.

Their hearts were too hard to take it in.

◾ It’s a ghost! ◾ I am here!

3. Trusting Jesus with what’s ahead.

Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces.

◾ Jesus in the storms. ◾ Pressing needs.

Establishing and nurturing a relationship with God through Jesus.

God, thank you for showing yourself to me. Jesus, I turn to you, admit I need you, and ask you to enter my heart by faith. By your Spirit, restore my heart with your forgiveness; help me to hear your voice and know your love. Gather me with others to worship and serve you; to nurture our faith and shine your light in the world. Thank you for calling me your child. Amen.

For next week: Read Mark 11 and journal on the Palm Sunday story in Mark 11:1-11. During Holy Week, commit to reading chapters 12-16 as we prepare for Good Friday and Easter. Follow the format of Observation, Reflection and Prayer as outlined on the Come With Me card and using your Mark journal. Download the Filament App for Mark as you study the passage in your time alone with God each day.

REFLECT TOGETHER ON SUNDAY’S MESSAGE 

• Gather together with prayer and time of conversation, sharing, or even an ice-breaker.
• Review the main points from the sermon outline.
• Share with one another as a whole group or in smaller groups, using these prompts only as suggestions: 
• Which part of the message is most deeply connected with your own life right now?
• How has the message encouraged you? Or challenged you? 

CONNECT WITH GOD (Select one of the practices below or choose a practice from a previous week.)

• Praying for Those Facing Injustice During Lent 

The prayer practice of naming and praying for injustice in your community and around the world is an important practice of Lent.

• Take a moment to identify an injustice occurring in the world today, and allow that particular injustice be the focus of your prayer. Pray for those affected.
• Journal your prayer. Go back to it throughout the week and add to it as events unfold. Commit to the practice of praying for injustice this week. 
• Give attention to it each day in the coming week, and let your heart draw close to those who are suffering. Pray for compassion, pray for change, and pray for God’s near presence and power. 
• The Practice of Rest 
• Read Psalm 62:5-8 three times and let the words wash over you.
• Read the below quote by Kate Bowler. 
• Journal and reflect on Psalm 62:5-8 and the question: “What does rest look like for you?” and “How will you integrate that into this week?”

“Rest does not have to mean taking a nap in the middle of the day (because really... who can do that?!). It can be anything that fills up your tank for love, creativity, and generosity. Calling an old friend. Gardening. Organizing the junk drawer. Going to bed 15 minutes earlier. Reading a book and not expecting to learn anything. What does rest look like for you? How will you integrate that into this week?” -Kate Bowler, A Good Enough Lent

CONNECT WITH SCRIPTURE (As a reminder: this is the Bible passage for Sunday, March 24.)

• Read: Mark 11:1-11 and use the “Come with Me” card, along with your Mark Bible Journal to engage with the Scripture passage for the coming week. 
• Observe: Dig into the scripture through doodling, highlighting and note-taking. Pay attention to words or phrases that seem important or raise questions for you. 
• Meditate: Slow down. Read Mark 11:1-11 again and engage your imagination and senses to connect to the passage. Reflect on your experience in your journal. 
• Pray: What prayer of praise, gratitude, or confession arises from your heart and mind as you meditate on this passage? 
• Reflect together (in pairs): Spend time sharing your reactions and reflections of Mark 11:1-11 using this prompt as a guide.
• How is the Holy Spirit shaping you through this passage and as you prepare for Palm Sunday and Holy Week?
• What words, phrases, or images stand out to you? Why? 

DIG DEEPER  (Select 1-2 questions or customize the questions for your group.) 

• How would you describe Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (in your own words)? 
• Why does Jesus tell the disciples to go and get him a young colt/donkey? Hint: It might be helpful to read Genesis 49:8-12, Zechariah 9:9-11. 
• How did the crowd respond to Jesus on the road (v. 8-10)? 
• What is being revealed about Jesus by entering Jerusalem this way? 
• Why do you think the details of verse 11 are included in the passage? 
• How do you personally relate to Mark 11:1-11? 
• How is this story challenging you?

NEXT STEPS 

• Follow along with the “Weekly Readings” guide in the front pages of your Mark journal over the coming weeks. 

PRAYER 

Share with one another the things happening around the world that break your heart. Commit together to pray for an injustice happening in the world, however near or far away. Pray for that injustice, for those suffering or impacted, and for a resolution of peace, comfort, or reconciliation. End your prayer time with: “God have mercy. Christ have mercy. Spirit have mercy.”