Mark 1:21-42

Sharing Stories

To begin with, have a few people share their answers to this questions (everyone can share if you have time!)

• Who do you know whose life reminds you of Jesus? Describe the Jesus-like things they spend their time doing...

Read Mark 1:21-42

• What do you think stood out to the synagogue about Jesus' teaching (in style and content)?

• What (if anything) can we learn about our own words (especially in sharing about God) as we look at the way Jesus spoke?

• Why do you think Jesus healed people? What does the way he went about healing people show us about compassion?

• What does Jesus' rhythm of withdrawing to pray reveal about the importance of spiritual practices to our mission or ministry?

• How can we better reflect that in our own lives?

• In what ways can we show radical compassion in our world today? Is there anything you already do that other members of the group could join in with?

Bringing it to Life

Paul Rai is the coordinator of the Learner Driver Mentor Program and Pastor at Hobart Nepali Church, a thriving congregation of Citywide Baptist Church in Tasmania.

Here Paul shares one of the ways the church is sharing God’s love with the Nepali community of Hobart:

“There are more than 10,000 Nepalese speaking people in Hobart, mostly from Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim backgrounds.

We found the Nepalese migrants and students were coming to Tasmania without a driver’s license, but because they were living so far from work opportunities and the Hobart public transport is limited, they struggled to get a job.

The Hobart Nepali Church prayed about this and chose to support and bless our community by starting a Learner Driver Mentor Program. This driving program has been a successful ministry of Hobart Nepalese Church since 2018. 250 students have gotten their P-Plates since we started.

The main reason behind our community support work is to get alongside the people, serve them where they have need and share Christ’s love.”

Driving student Jasmine speaks of her experience, “I’ve been living in Hobart for the past year. When I first moved here, I found out the public transportation is not very reliable. Then I got to know about the free driving classes that the Hobart Nepali Church provides. I have had ten classes so far, and I would like to thank the whole team of Hobart Nepali Church for

providing me this opportunity!’”

Baptist Mission Australia Executive Director, Scott Pilgrim reflects, “It’s not always easy to respond to complex needs around us, but sometimes with the Spirit’s leading we can

come across simple solutions. It’s so inspiring to hear this story of a local church seeing a need and responding with a simple, yet innovative, idea.”

Small Group Practice

This week, identify a need within your neighbourhood or reflect on a justice issue that deeply concerns you. Guided by the principles in this Scripture, consider how your group could respond with compassion and action. As you engage with those in need, think about how you can embody the compassion and healing presence of Jesus in ways that acknowledge their unique circumstances.

Prior to and following your visit, spend time in prayer together, asking God to guide your words, actions, and hearts.

This study has been adapted from a small group guide written by Andrew Duncan from Baptist Mission Australia. The original guide can be downloaded here. Andrew will be preaching at our PM service on May 18.