Biblical Teachings on Groups
Pondering Point
As you read the next MG episode from Mark 14:32-34, pay attention to what Jesus is looking for from His MG partners Peter, James, and John. It is these type of times in life that bond us tightly together when it works as hoped.
Mark 14:32-34
They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
Journal Prompt:
In your words, what is Jesus
seeking from His MG?
See what happens with Jesus’ MG friends in the following verses.
Mark 14:37-38
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Let’s acknowledge that even our best friends let us down at times. Don’t expect perfection from them or yourself, but rather mutual commitment. That said, we can all take heed of Jesus’ words to His disciples: "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak".
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you sought a willing Spirit to do the will of Your Father (our Father). Teach me to seek that same type of willing spirit to overcome the weakness of the flesh and find partners who are after the same type of spiritual life. In your name Jesus I pray. Amen.
MG rule #4:
Don’t Fix,
Don’t Rescue
If time permits, check out John 18:10-11 and how it relates to MG rule #4. Jesus was not asking His friends, to rescue Him but to be with Him in a difficult moment. This is one of the greatest blessings of MG life. If you cultivate it among a few peers, it will bear much fruit.
John 18:10-11
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
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