- Who wrote it?
- When was it written?
- Why was it written?
- What happened before today’s passage?
- Retell what’s happening in your own words
- Define confusing terms
- Explain difficult concepts
- Make connections to other parts of the Bible
- What is your central truth? What makes it hard to believe or live out?
- How can you live this out this week? (thoughts, words, actions)
- Ask God for guidance on living this out.
- Reread the passage. What questions do you still have? Bring them in next week.
What does this passage
reveal about God’s
character and purpose?
What does this reveal
about who He made
me to be?
Author: John Mark
Date: Somewhere between 50–70 AD
Purpose: To show Jesus as the Son of God
Third time Jesus predicts His death, which the OT also points to (Isaiah 53).
The disciples still did not get it and instead pursued earthly glory.
Glory – importance/honor
I believe it, but like James and John, I still want people to notice me. The lie: I only matter if I’m in charge.
This week: stop keeping score, build my friends up, and do a chore nobody thanks me for.
God, help me live this out this week.
Still wondering: what’s the “cup” (v.38), and why ask for glory right then? I’ll ask my small group leader.
all powerful, yet He
chooses to serve.
look not to be served
but to serve.