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Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
Foundations
August 8,2026
Week 2: Connect In Groups
Jeff Griffin
Mark 2:1-12
In a world overflowing with advice, it can be difficult to figure out what matters most. But the foundational principles Jesus used to start his ministry can help us identify exactly what we need to prioritize in our lives. This week we learn about the importance of working together.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a part of a particular group (real or fictional), be it a professional sports team, musical group, friend group? Who and why?
1. Read Mark 2:1-12. Jesus has returned to his home base in Capernaum where we see him preaching the word. Enter some men with a goal, who meet an obstacle. Who are they? What is their goal? What is the obstacle?
2. What do they do in the face of the obstacle? What does this tell you about a) their devotion to their friend, b) their creativity and c) their belief in Jesus’ ability to heal?
3. In response to their out-of-the-box solution, Jesus gives an out-of-the-box response. Before Jesus speaks, what does he recognize [the friends’ faith]? He knew what they were asking for, so why did he respond by offering the paralyzed man forgiveness? Certainly, it would have startled the man, but what else might he have felt? Imagine what might have happened with him if Jesus had healed him without first forgiving his sins.
4. Look at verses 8-10. What is the answer to Jesus’ rhetorical question in verse 9? The healing of the paralyzed man proves Jesus’ point, but how might it also have reset the group dynamic for the man’s friends – that is, what would it have told them about their own needs?
5. Have you ever gone to Jesus (as an individual or as a group) with one need only to have him meet a different, more pressing need?
6. Jeff described 5 Keys to Community: gather, bond, notice, help, seek. Which of these does our group excel at? Which could we work on doing even better?
Physical needs are easy to spot and are often the first we address – in prayer and action. Pray that your group would grow beyond the surface needs to love and care for each other even more deeply.
God designed it that we would survive the hardships of life together ~ Jeff Griffin