UNVEILED, September 27, 2009

Opening:
Welcome new comers. Play an “ice breaker.” Review the Connection Group Commitment if necessary.

Reflection: What material or earthy possession is most important to you? Maybe it’s your money, your home or hometown. Maybe it’s more abstract, like your career. It’s the thing, more than anything else, that you would hate to give up, let go or lose.

Digging Deeper:
Read Mark 10: 17-22
In the belief system of the original audience, what does being Jewish, male, young, wealthy and influential say about a person? How is this the model of the “blessed’ life? In our own day, what is typically associated with the blessings
of God? Where do cultural and scriptural definitions of blessing meet? Where do they diverge?

Is the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” a burning question in your life? Why, or why not? Do you agree with George’s observation that it is usually busy middle-aged folks who ignore this question?

Jesus points the man to the commandments. How do you view the commandments: are they a “to-do” list that gets you into heaven? A fence that keeps you safe and in line? A mirror that reflects your shortcomings? Something else? What is the connection between eternal life and the commands?

John 17:3. “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” What does that even mean? How is eternal life akin to knowing God through Jesus Christ?

The man is adamant that he has kept the commands. Yet the question of eternal life still weights on him. What does Jesus tell him to do? What do you think the other disciples thought about this? How does this fit your answer to the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
What does Jesus’ answer reveal about this man’s heart?

Now, being as honest as we can with ourselves, what might Jesus tell us to sell, give up or change if we are to experience eternal life, i.e., knowing God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent? In other words, who or what stands between you and Jesus? What can you do about it?

If you have 10 more minutes: Read Mark 10:23-31 and discuss verse 27.

Closing:
Pray for one another and share updates on what’s happening in our church community.