If we want the life of Jesus, we must adopt the lifestyle of Jesus. If we desire His public power, we must first embrace His private practices. That means stepping away while others rush in, listening when others are speaking, and moving forward when others settle for comfort. In Mark 1:35–39, Jesus revealed the rhythms that lead to a life of faithfulness and fruitfulness: solitude, resistance, and purpose.

I. The Rhythm of Solitude

II. The Rhythm of Resistance

III. The Rhythm of Purpose

Learn Your Bible: Using your favorite Bible dictionary or concordance, study the idea of solitude. If you’re able, access our new Guided Meditations at cabq.us/gm to start practicing the rhythm of solitude in your life.

Love Your Neighbor: Create the opportunity to sit and listen to a friend or family member you haven’t connected with recently.

Live in Freedom: Which of these rhythms do you need to practice this week?

Mark introduced Jesus as the Son of God and Israel’s Messiah (see v. 1), who proclaimed His purpose to establish the kingdom of God (see v. 15). But such claims must be substantiated by divine authority. So, the author provides three credentials of this Messianic King to prove His office.

I. Authority Over Dispassion (vv. 21-22)

II. Authority Over Demons (vv. 23-28)

III. Authority Over Disease (vv. 29-34)

Learn Your Bible: Use your favorite study resources to find cross-reference passages that point to Jesus’ authority in each of the areas we studied today.

Love Your Neighbor: Ask God to show you someone in your life who needs to be reminded of His grace, then take one practical step to love them well.

Live in Freedom: Is there something in your life—a doubt, struggle, or secret shame—that you haven’t surrendered to the authority of Christ? Take the first step this week to fully place that in His hands.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Those words were spoken by Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing before her second birthday. Jesus promises abundant life (an adventure) to those who follow Him. Today we notice three aspects of Jesus’ call to His first followers.

I. Their Character (vv. 16, 19)

II. Their Calling (vv. 17, 20)

III. Their Commitment (vv. 18, 20b)

Learn Your Bible: Meditate on John 10:10 and spend time intentionally and specifically thanking the Lord for the riches He’s poured into your life.

Love Your Neighbor: How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to a brother or sister in Christ this week?

Live in Freedom: Ask the Lord to reveal how He wants you to live more abundantly in your daily walk.

Talk with Kids: What does it mean that God is faithful?

I. Hope Now (v. 3)

II. Heaven Later (v. 4)

III. Help In Between (v. 5)

Learn Your Bible: Thank the Lord that He keeps you “through faith for salvation” and meditate on Psalm 37:23-24 as you recognize His keeping power in your own life.

Love Your Neighbor: Invite a new believer to visit your Connect Group this week.

Live in Freedom: Ask the Lord to reveal areas of your life—hurt, bitterness, or hidden sin—that you haven’t yet surrendered to Him.

Talk with kids: What do you think the torn veil in the temple demonstrated?