What did you do this week that took faith to accomplish?  How did it show you Christ working in you? 

  

In what ways are you “religious?” 

  

Read Mark 2:13-17. What stands out to you about this passage?  Why is it significant that Jesus called a tax collector to join His inner circle? Why do you think this caused the Pharisees trouble? What does it explain about Jesus’ motivation and purpose? 

  

Read Mark 2:18-22. What stands out to you about this passage? Why was it unnecessary for Jesus’ disciples to fast? What is Jesus communicating about Himself through the two metaphors?   

  

How is the gospel antithetical to religion? Why are we prone to religious attitudes and actions as Christians?  How is it a declaration of unbelief? 

  

Go over the Assessment Questions. In what ways have you replaced the gospel with religion? Why? What motivation of the heart needs to change in order to be shaped by the gospel instead of bound in religion? 

  

Who in your life needs to know that Jesus is a friend of sinners and a threat to religion?