Bible Study Questions

1. In the sermon, Ken points out that everyone who encountered Jesus had a reaction — amazement, fear, confusion, or faith. What has your personal reaction to Jesus been throughout your life, and has it changed over time?
2. The demon-possessed man immediately recognized Jesus and fell at his feet. What does this tell us about the authority and presence of Jesus, and how does that challenge the way we approach him?
3. The woman with the bleeding condition pushed through a crowd just to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, believing that would be enough to heal her. What does her determination and faith say about how we should pursue Jesus in our own lives?
4. Jairus fell at Jesus' feet and begged for his daughter's life, even as a respected synagogue leader. Is there anything in your life — pride, reputation, or status — that makes it difficult for you to humble yourself before Jesus?
5. The townspeople of Nazareth were amazed at Jesus but ultimately took offense at him. In what ways can familiarity with Jesus cause us to lose our sense of wonder and awe toward him?
6. Ken said, "One of the reasons we wander from Jesus is that we lose our wonder of Jesus." Do you agree with that statement? What practices help you maintain a sense of wonder and awe in your faith?
7. Herod was confused by Jesus and unsure what to make of him. Have you ever gone through a season of confusion or doubt about Jesus? How did you navigate that, and what did you learn?
8. Jesus told Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe," and told the disciples in the boat, "Take courage; don't be afraid." What fears in your life right now do you need to bring to Jesus, trusting him to speak those same words to you?
9. Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, heal the sick, and cast out demons. Ken suggested the church often focuses on preaching but neglects the other two. Do you agree? How should that challenge us as a small group and as a church?
10. The Laotian men in the story reacted with genuine awe and excitement at the news that Jesus calmed the wind and waves, while the minister leading them realized he had lost that wonder. When was the last time a story about Jesus genuinely stopped you in your tracks?
11. Ken described people in bondage to sin, addiction, grief, sickness, or fear, and invited each of them to react to Jesus with faith. Which of those categories resonates most with where you are right now, and what would it look like for you to bring that to Jesus?
12. The sermon closes with an announcement of a healing prayer series called "Heal Us All." Who in your life — family, friend, neighbor, or coworker — needs prayer for healing, and how can this group support you in inviting them to church?

Discussion Questions

1. Ken described the demon-possessed man as terrifying — wild, bleeding, naked, and shrieking. Yet Jesus engaged him without hesitation. What does that tell us about the kinds of people Jesus is willing to pursue, and how should that shape the way our church engages with broken people in our community?
2. The townspeople who witnessed the healed man "clothed and in his right mind" were afraid rather than joyful. Why do you think a miracle sometimes produces fear instead of celebration, and have you ever had a similar reaction to something God did?
3. When Jesus felt power go out from him in the crowd, he stopped everything — even though Jairus was desperately pulling him toward his dying daughter. What does it tell us about Jesus' character that he paused for one sick woman even in the middle of an urgent crisis?
4. The people mourning Jairus' daughter laughed at Jesus when he said she was only sleeping. Have you ever laughed at or dismissed something God was doing because it seemed impossible or absurd? What happened?
5. Jesus told the healed woman, "Daughter, your faith has healed you." He called her "daughter." Why is that word significant, and what does it reveal about how Jesus sees the people he heals and helps?
6. The disciples who had just watched Jesus calm a storm were still terrified when they saw him walking on water. Why do you think it is so hard for us to carry faith from one experience with God into the next one?
7. Jesus could do very little in Nazareth because of the people's unbelief. That is a striking and somewhat uncomfortable statement. In what ways might unbelief be limiting what God wants to do in your life or in our church?
8. Ken said Jesus "never forces himself on you — he lets you find him, lets you react and respond, and then meets you there." How does that statement sit with you? Does it comfort you, challenge you, or both?
9. Throughout Mark 5 and 6 we see Jesus constantly surrounded by crowds pushing and pulling at him, yet he remained fully present with each individual he encountered. What can we learn from that about how to be truly present with the hurting people in our own lives?
10. The disciples were tasked with preaching, healing, and casting out demons — and they actually did it. Do you believe ordinary Christians today are called and empowered to do those same things? Why or why not?
11. Ken said "God doesn't always heal, but he always blesses." How do you personally wrestle with unanswered prayers for healing, and how do you hold onto faith when God's answer is not what you hoped for?
12. If someone in your life who knew nothing about Jesus read through Mark 5 and 6 this week, what do you think their honest reaction would be? What would you want to discuss with them about what they read?