Mark 1:21-45 // Jesus Revealed // Pastor Jeremy Olfert
March 8, 2026
Read Mark 1:14-20
Consider these questions when reflecting on this message:
Letting Jesus Define Who He Is | People often create their own version of Jesus based on feelings, culture, or assumptions. In what ways do people today create a “version” of Jesus that fits their preferences? What practices help you make sure your understanding of Jesus comes from Scripture rather than assumptions?
Submitting to Jesus’ Authority | In the synagogue, people were amazed at Jesus’ authority but didn’t necessarily submit to it. Where in your life is it easy to admire Jesus’ teaching but harder to actually obey it? What would it look like this week to intentionally submit one area of your life to Jesus’ authority?
Trusting Jesus’ Power Over Spiritual Battles | The passage shows Jesus’ authority over evil and spiritual oppression. When you face spiritual struggles (temptation, discouragement, fear, conflict), how do you typically respond? How might remembering Jesus’ authority change the way you approach those battles?
Bringing Our Needs to Jesus | People brought the sick and hurting to Jesus because they believed He could help. What burdens, struggles, or “sicknesses” (physical, emotional, spiritual) do you need to bring honestly to Jesus right now? How can this group support one another in trusting Jesus with those needs?
Prioritizing Prayer | Jesus chose to wake up early and go to a quiet place to pray even when many people needed him (Mark 1:35). What tends to crowd out prayer in your daily life, and what is one practical step you could take this week to prioritize time with God?
Busyness and Dependence on God | The sermon pointed out that “the busier Jesus became, the more he prayed”. When life gets busy or stressful, do you tend to pray more or less? What might it look like to let busyness become a reminder to depend on God instead of a reason to neglect prayer?
Resisting Distractions | Jesus did not let the expectations or pressures of others distract him from his mission. What are some distractions or pressures in your life that can pull you away from God’s priorities? How can prayer help you stay focused on what truly matters?
Filled with Compassion | Jesus was filled with compassion to his very core. Essentially, he traded places with the man with leprosy. What does this act by Jesus teach us about the gospel? How should that change us?