A New Name

Mark 3:6-35

1. Mark 3:6 reveals that serious opposition to Jesus began early in his ministry. Why do you think that this is true? Does his popularity in 3:7–12 play into it? Do you think that faithfulness to Jesus still draws this kind of fierce opposition?
   
2. Names were often changed in Jesus' day to reflect something about the character, giving a new identity to a person. See vv. 13–19. Which parts of the twelve apostles' calling is true of every believer? What name do you think Jesus would have given to each member of your small group?
   
3. Mark 3:20–30 is a troubling report on Jesus' relational break both with his own family and with the religious leaders of his nation. Put the problem into your own words. What lessons do you learn from Jesus' response in vv. 23–30?
   
4. A person's primary identity in Jesus' day was the biological and marital family. What powerful message did Jesus give in vv. 31–35? What relevance does this have to us now?
   
5. What do you hope to apply to your life from this week's Bible passage?
   

2012 Study Series • Copyright © 2012, Lake Avenue Church