The Dumbfounded (Mark 7:36-37)

36 He ordered them to tell no one,
but the more he ordered them, the more they proclaimed it.
37 They were extremely astonished and said,
“He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Complete:

The more Jesus (blank), the more the crowd (blank).
suggest words or phrases that could fit in each of the blanks.

Ask:

• Why would Jesus want people to keep quiet about His miracles?

Remind adults that in some ways,
the expectations of miracles and healing could distract people from Jesus’s primary message.
So, His command was designed to keep their focus on the main thing.

Read:

Invite a volunteer to read James 4:6.

6 But He gives a greater grace
Therefore it says,
"GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

Reflect:

• What attitude is God drawn toward?
• In what way does spiritual pride keep us from seeing Jesus?

Summarize:

Remind the group of this session’s summary statement:
Jesus extends mercy to all people.

Emphasize that “all” includes them when they are struggling and need His help,
but it also includes others around us.
Jesus set the example, and we are called to be His hands and feet as we point people toward Him.

CHALLENGE

Summarize:

Review these points from this week's Bible passage:

• Believers should offer the hope of Jesus to social outcasts.
• Believers must show individual care to people with physical challenges.
• Believers must remain focused on the redemption provided to all through Jesus alone.

Brainstorm:

Call attention to the Apply the Text question on page 47:
What obstacles must be overcome to include outsiders and those with physical disabilities in our group?
On the board, list ideas for reaching out to those who would be considered social outcasts or “untouchable,” including those with disabilities.
Discuss several specific ways the group can be intentional about demonstrating the mercy of Jesus to all people.

Pray:

Invite the group to pray
for God’s wisdom and direction as they seek opportunities to minister to everyone in every situation.

Encourage:

Urge the group to use the Daily Exploration on pages 49-51 to go deeper into God's Word this week.

AFTER THE SESSION

Reinforce the session by emphasizing Jesus’s desire for every person to have a relationship with Him. Reach out to the group this week, making yourself available to anyone who might want to talk about starting a relationship with Jesus and urging them to look for opportunities to share Jesus with others this week.