Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One

CoreGroup Guide | Entourage - Week One
Written by Dan Hutti and Parker Patton


Welcome

This sermon series focuses on key people in Jesus' entourage. None of the people discussed in this sermon series are perfect, but they can all teach us something and help us in our pursuit of Jesus. This week we will focus on Mary and Martha, how they served Jesus, and what we can learn from their relationship with him. 


Opening Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank you for this time together. You had many friendships and close relationships in your time here on Earth. Please be with us as we seek to understand these relationships better and seek to improve our relationships as well, with others and with you. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.


Ice Breaker

Have you ever had an unexpected visitor? How did it go? Did you lean into the present moment? Or get distracted by the desire to tidy or other preparations? Or both?


The Head
The following story describes Martha and Mary hosting Jesus at their home. These sisters show up in the Bible a few times. They have a brother named Lazarus who Jesus raises from the dead (John 11:1-46). Mary also appears in a story where she washes the feet of Jesus with her hair (John 12:1-8).  If you spend time reading those two stories from John you may notice some patterns in their personalities and behavior. Martha and Mary are friends of Jesus and they are loved by him. However, they respond to and receive Jesus differently. Let’s take a look at the following scripture:

Luke 10:38-42
Jesus visits Martha and Mary
38 While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his message.
40 By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with getting everything ready for their meal. So Martha came to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to prepare the table all by myself? Tell her to help me.”
41 The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. 42 One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.”

Let’s discuss this passage:

• How would you describe Martha?
• How would you describe Mary? 
• Why does Jesus rebuke Martha? 
• Is Jesus saying that Mary is better than Martha?
• Do you think Martha is justified by her preparations? Why or why not?

The Heart

Mary and Martha’s story took place a long time ago in a much different society. And yet, for many of us, we still find relevance in this passage for our lives today. 

• What about you? What sticks out to you? Where do you find relevance in this story?
• Do you feel more like Mary or Martha? How so? Are you too much like Mary or Martha? Please share how so, as you are comfortable. 

In verse 41, Jesus tells Martha, “you are worried and distracted by many things.” 

• What do you tend to get worried or distracted by instead of focusing on Jesus? 
• How can we focus more on Jesus than our worries and distractions?

Thinking about our relationships with Jesus specifically:

• How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? Are you more of a listener? Someone who serves? Something else?
• How would you describe Mary and Martha’s relationship with Jesus?
• How can we model ourselves after these people? 
• What might you change or do differently in terms of your relationship with Jesus?

The Hands

This sermon series focuses on various people in Jesus’ circle—his entourage. Each of these people have something to teach us. For this week, pick one characteristic from Martha or Mary and see if you can embody it this week.


Closing Prayer

Jesus, Thank you for this gift of time, to slow down and focus on our relationship with you. Please be with us throughout the week, as we seek to set aside our worries and distractions, and lean on you and be present with you. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.


CoreGroup Next Steps


Made for More…. Belonging
 
One CoreGroup One Day on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary at McCausland.
 
This will be the FIRST time (in a while) that all CoreGroup members, leaders and coaches will convene! It’s going to be a fun, informative and transformative time! The purpose is to experience the energy of being in one place, celebrate the highlights of CG's, look to the fall and talk about what it means to be MADE FOR MORE... BELONGING. There will be food, worship, prizes, pictures, and so much more. 
Register your attendance here.