SESSION 7 MARK 7:1-23

WELCOME
Share as a group how it is going in sharing with non-christians – those you have prayed for and spoken to over the previous weeks

WORSHIP
A short meditation – put a lit candle in the middle of the group as a focal point. Give everyone a sweet to suck on (something that will last a little while). In silence read Mark 7:14-23.
Reflect on what people thought and end by thanking God for his forgiveness.

WORD

1. What is the issue that the Pharisees and Jesus debated about? How do the Pharisees define what it means to be spiritual? What does Jesus think?
2. Jesus tells the Pharisees that fulfilling human traditions can interfere with obeying the commands of God. When have you felt like a victim of religious tradition—created by people—in your efforts to obey God?
3. What is the significance of the fact that the story about the legalistic Pharisees is followed by a story of a Gentile woman who shows great faith?
4. In what ways have you found yourself “honouring God with your lips” when in fact your heart was somewhere else? Does this ever happen during worship? Does it happen when your behavior during the week doesn’t line up with what you do on Sunday morning? What help do you need to change this?
5. What traditions of our culture do you find conflicting with the commands of God? What influence can a church have on such conflicts?
6. What would it mean for you to be clean inside and out?
7. Pray for one another based upon the study.

WITNESS
Share the name of a person whom you might introduce to Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare that person’s heart and give you the right words to say.