MARK 10:32-4532 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise." 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." 36 "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. 37 They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." 38 "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" 39 "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared." 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." NIV 84 LESSON NOTESJesus connects two seemingly opposite Old Testament figures that no one in a million years would have paired together: Daniel’s "Son of Man" (Daniel 7) and Isaiah’s "Suffering Servant" (Isaiah 53). He reveals that God's sovereign kingdom is established not through ruling over, but through serving under.In Mark 8, 9, and 10, we see a repeating pattern: Jesus predicts his suffering, the disciples give a "crazy" self-centered response, and Jesus teaches a lesson on discipleship and self-denial.On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus predicts his own death and resurrection three distinct times. With each prediction, the details become sharper, culminating in nine specific details about his upcoming passion in Mark 10. Jesus was never caught off guard; he resolutely chose the cross.Jesus issues a strict prohibition for his followers regarding leadership. While disciples can and should hold positions of authority, they are strictly forbidden from using that authority to rule "over" others. Kingdom leadership must look completely different from worldly leadership.The ultimate example of service is the Son of Man himself, who did not come to be served, but to serve. In God's kingdom, the King of all is the servant to all. His crown was made of thorns, his throne was a wooden cross, and the positions on his right and left were ultimately occupied by crucified criminals. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Icebreaker - what is the weirdest, most unusual food combination you love that other people might think is completely crazy?2. William Barclay distinguished between crisis courage and "seeing it coming and going anyway" courage. Where in your life right now might God be asking you for the second kind?3. Jesus states that leaders in his kingdom must be "servant of all" and "slave of all". In your workplace, family, or church, what does it practically look like to use a position of authority to serve under people rather than rule over them?4. "Mark 10:45 is what turns Christianity into the gospel." How should the reality of Jesus giving his life as a ransom change the way we treat people who annoy, hurt, or inconvenience us this week?5. "Jesus laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for one another" (1 John 3:16). What's one con

MARK 10:1-121 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. 2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" 3 "What did Moses command you?" he replied. 4 They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." 5 "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. 6 "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 7 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." 10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commitsadultery." NIV 84 LESSON NOTESDivorce is what Moses allowed; but not what God designed. Jesus distinguishes between what Moses allowed due to our hard hearts and what God originally designed in the garden. God's pre-fall plan for marriage establishes three distinct truths: it is a relationship between a man and a woman, it functions as the strongest relationship, and it is a sacred union formed by God Himself. We are called to live out God’s pre-fall plan for marriage in a post-fall world. The beauty and difficulty of marriage is that "two become one" in a broken world where sinners get married. While Jewish cultural debates focused strictly on the external, legal reasons for writing a certificate of divorce, Jesus exposes the root internal issue: hard hearts. Living out God's original intent for marriage in a post-fall world cannot be achieved through trying harder or loving better; it requires our hard hearts to be broken and compelled by the love of Christ. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1 Of the three characteristics of God's pre-fall plan for marriage - which one challenges you or encourages you the most right now and why?2 A marriage counselor cited in the sermon advises couples to regularly say, "Remember who brought us together." How does shifting your perspective to view your marriage as a divine union change how you handle daily conflicts?3 "Two become one" was described as both beautiful and difficult. What has been one of the hardest and one of the most beautiful parts of becoming one with your spouse?4 Read 2 Corinthians 5:14 ("one died for all"). How does deeply internalizing the reality that Christ died for your spouse's shortcomings—just as He died for yours—transform the way you extend grace during difficult seasons?

COLOSSIANS 3:12-1712 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Icebreaker - what stories from Croatia stood out to you?2. In Colossians 3, verses 12-14 have a strong emphasis on our relationships with others. Jeremy shared about how impactful it was for everyone involved as the students built friendships with their Croatian and Ukrainian brothers and sisters, and encouraged us all to build friendships with others.  How impactful can friendship building be? Do you find it easy or challenging? 3. Verses 15-17 emphasize the impact of the message of Jesus, and we were encouraged to talk to others about what Jesus is doing in our lives. Do you find yourself worried that talking about Jesus will push people away or come off as abrasive? Do you think that people today have a desire to hear about Jesus? If so, in what way?

MARK 9:49-5049 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other." NIV 84 LESSON NOTES"Everyone will be salted with fire" (v. 49) isn't a threat about hell — it's an honest statement about a broken world. Trouble touches every person regardless of wealth, faith, or character. Jesus doesn't promise His disciples an exemption from pain; He promises to be with them in it.The phrase "salted with fire" echoes the Old Testament practice of adding salt to sacrifices to purify them (Leviticus 2:13). Jesus invites His disciples to see their trials the same way — not as pointless, but as a purifying process that can produce perseverance, endurance, and Christlike character.Salt itself doesn't naturally lose its saltiness — but salt mined in Palestine was often mixed with gypsum, making it useless. Jesus uses this image to warn against a discipleship that has been mixed with something else. Being "in the world but not of it" means disciples still live fully in the world — but their loyalty belongs entirely to Christ, not split between Him and the world's values. Jesus said we cannot serve two masters; salt that's mixed with impurity is useless.In the ancient Middle East, sharing a salted meal was a sign of friendship and covenant. Coming right after the disciples argued over who was greatest, Jesus' command to "share salt" is a call to unity. Few things damage the church's witness more than believers fighting each other. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Icebreaker - what are your top three favorite spices/seasonings? What food item is it essential for you to add salt?   2. Looking back at a past trial, what specific character traits (such as endurance, compassion, or reliance) did God produce in you that could only have been formed through that fire?3. "Saltless salt" comes from mixing pure salt with something impure until it can't be separated again. What are some subtle ways our devotion to Jesus gets "mixed" with other loyalties — money, comfort, approval, politics — without us noticing?4. Jesus links our unity directly to our witness (John 13:34-35). Is there a relationship — where you need to "share salt" and pursue peace? What's one step you could take this week?5. Of the three salt teachings - Salted with fire, Saltless salt, Share salt - Which one speaks most directly to your current season of life, and what is one practical step God may be asking you to take this week?

MARK 10:13-31"[13] And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [15] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” [16] And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. [17] And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [18] And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. [19] You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” [20] And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” [21] And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” [22] Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. [23] And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” [24] And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! [25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” [26] And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” [27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” [28] Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” [29] Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, [30] who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. [31] But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” ESV LESSON NOTESHarvard University, California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, MIT, and Princeton University have some of the lowest college acceptance rates in our country (3-4%).In many different fields, being outstanding seems to be the benchmark for entry (colleges, athletics, promotions, jobs). Within these realms, and others, personal achievements/accolades are the pathway to acceptance (Achievements = Acceptance)Children are great examples of people who are helpless, defenseless, and needy. Unlike adults, children come with no pretense, no artificial or adopted behaviors to impress people. Children come empty handed and they know how to ask for help. And they don't just ask for help, they eagerly receive it. Because of this, Jesus uses these little ones as examples of how one should receive the Kingdom. In Jesus' words in verses 14-15, we see two realities about entering the kingdom of God: 1.) Entrance into the Kingdom of God is received. 2) Entrance into the Kingdom of God is for the child-like. These two realities complement one another because if we are not child-like then we will not receive.In contrast to the child-like reception Jesus speaks about in verses 14-15, we see the rich man perceive eternal life as a matter of personal achievement. Within his conversation with Jesus, Jesus gives the man this command, "... go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (vs. 21) Going, selling, and giving were the means by which Jesus told this man to detach himself from his current master, his idol of possessions. These commands ultimately led to the ultimate command: "come,

MARK 9:42-4842 "And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where 'there worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'"  NIV 84 LESSON NOTESTake it seriously, not literally. Jesus' commands to cut off a hand or pluck out an eye are not literal instructions — no scholar reads them that way. But the graphic language is meant to shock us into taking sin, and the reality of hell, with the utmost seriousness. Sin is never private. The Greek word used for "sin" in verse 42 is skandalizo — where we get the word "scandal." Our sin doesn't just affect our relationship with God; it ripples out and impacts our spouse, our kids, our friends, and our church. No one sins in a vacuum. It's not the object, it's the effect. Your hand, foot, and eye aren't sinful — they're valuable. Jesus isn't asking us to reject something bad; He's asking us to be willing to reject something good if it's become the pathway to sin in our lives. Hands, feet, and eyes represent real categories. Scholars connect these to what we do (activities), where we go (environment), and what we see (attention) — with relationships (who we're with) as a natural fourth category worth examining. "Better" means far better. The word Jesus uses for "better" isn't a close call — it's not 60/40. Any temporary sacrifice on earth, however painful, is immensely preferable to the eternal reality of hell. Radical amputation, not chipping away. Like Aron Ralston trapped under a boulder, we often try to chip away at what's holding us captive, hoping change will come without costing us much. Jesus calls for something more decisive — intentional, surgical removal of whatever is causing us to sin. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Icebreaker: What's something you've owned or held onto much longer than you should have because you couldn't bring yourself to let it go? (Keep it light—it could be an old phone, favorite t-shirt, first car, or even an unhealthy habit.) 2. William Barclay said: "To sin oneself is a terrible thing, but to teach another to sin is infinitely worse." Does thinking about sin in terms of "scandal" — as something that ripples out to affect others — change how you think about your own choices? How? 3. NT Wright points out that Jesus isn't asking us to give up something sinful, but something good that has become a cause of sin. Is there something good in your life right now — a hobby, a relationship, a habit — that has quietly become a source of temptation? 4. Scholars note that hands represent activities, feet represent environments, and eyes represent attention. Which of these three areas currently requires the most vigilant guard in your life when it comes to sin? 5. What is a specific "good thing" (e.g., technology, a relationship, a career path) that you may need to radically remove or alter because it is causing you to sin?

MARK 9:37-4137 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." 38 "Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." 39 "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." NIV 84 LESSON NOTESThe Irony of Exclusivity: John tries to stop an outsider from driving out demons in Jesus' name right after Jesus finishes teaching about welcoming little children, creating a double irony since the disciples themselves had previously failed at driving out a demon in that same chapter.History Repeats Itself: This interaction mirrors Numbers 11, where Joshua asks Moses to stop two rogue elders from prophesying in the camp, prompting Moses' humble reply wishing that all of the Lord's people were prophets.The "Party Spirit": In Galatians 5 (RSV), the "works of the flesh" include having a "party spirit," which does not mean liking social gatherings, but rather refers to creating factions, sectarianism, tribalism, and believing your specific group is superior to others.Defining "In My Name": Acting in the name of Jesus is not simply doing what we want and asking Him to bless it; it means intentionally aligning our actions under His authority, in obedience to His will, and as a reflection of His character.The Hula Hoop Analogy: Instead of drawing tiny theological circles (or "hoops") around our specific group and forcing others to jump through them, a kingdom mindset draws the circle entirely around King Jesus and welcomes whoever comes to Him. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Icebreaker: Do you have something in particular that you like to "sort" - a hobby like cards/coins, a chore like the pantry or garage? What is it and what makes it so satisfying to sort things into their "right" place?2. John wanted to stop the unknown man simply "because he was not one of us." The sermon notes the difference between having a kingdom mindset and a party spirit. How would you describe the difference between the two and how have you dealt with this in your life? 3. Jesus states that "whoever is not against us is for us." How does this baseline boundary challenge the way we interact with other Christians?4. How does the distinction between "doing what we want and asking Jesus to bless it" versus "acting under His authority, will, and character" change the way you think about doing something "in His name."? 5. Mark's version of the text notes that even giving a cup of room-temperature water in Jesus' name will not lose its reward. What is a seemingly insignificant act of service you can perform this week that becomes significant because it is done in His name?

James 5:16-1816 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. SERMON NOTES I. The Burden of Legacy The Coca-Cola Lesson: In 1985, "New Coke" failed because customers felt betrayed by the loss of something familiar and trustworthy, even though the new flavor was "better". Defining the Mantle: To "take up the mantle" means to assume the role and responsibility of a predecessor and say, "I will carry on what they began". Succession is Hard: It is almost impossible to follow a "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) because you are constantly compared to their legacy. II. The Pitfall of Talent: Churchill vs. Eden Winston Churchill: A legendary leader who rallied Britain against "monstrous tyranny" with bold determination and grit. Anthony Eden: A "polished diplomat" and Churchill's right-hand man who seemed perfect on paper but failed his first test (the Suez Canal crisis) and resigned in disgrace. Insight: It isn’t easy to take up the mantle. III. The Source of Power: Elijah vs. Elisha Dark Days: King Ahab and Jezebel led Israel into extreme evil, murdering God's prophets and worshipping idols. Elijah’s Fire: Elijah single-handedly confronted 450 prophets of Baal, and God answered with fire from heaven to prove He was the true God. The Big Truth: Elisha was called to follow this legend, but James 5:17 reminds us Elijah was "a man just like us". The power came from God’s presence, not Elijah’s ability. IV. Taking Up the Mantle Today The Current Call: In modern days of darkness and challenge, we are called to be the church. The First Passing: Successful legacy requires mentorship. Elijah didn't just leave; he invited Elisha to walk with him and learn from his presence for years. The Ultimate Strength: We take up the mantle by trusting the Spirit of Jesus, who conquered death and lives in us.   Discussion Questions The "Familiarity" Factor: Why do you think people react so strongly to change (like the "New Coke" example)? In your own life, when has it been difficult to let go of the "familiar" to embrace something new? The Pressure of Success: What makes it so hard to live up to a previous legacy? The "Just Like Us" Reality: James 5:17 says Elijah was "a man just like us." How does it change your view of your own faith to know that Elijah's miracles were about God's power rather than Elijah's special abilities? Practical Mentorship: The sermon mentioned a "first passing" of the mantle where Elijah gave Elisha his presence. What does it look like practically for different generations in our church to spend time together and share their walks with the Lord? Looking at the "Faith Hall of Fame" (Hebrews 11), many faced extreme hardships. Which "dark days" in our world today feel most overwhelming to you, and how does the promise that "He who lives in you is greater" give you courage?

Mark 9:33-3733 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” ESV LESSON NOTES / DISCUSSION QUESTIONSG.O.A.T = Greatest of all time. From athletics, to art, to music, to acting, and so much more, there are a lot of G.O.A.T debates that people engage in. With that, people use different arguments and examples to define true greatness. Our gauge for who or what is the “Greatest of all time” is based on how we see true greatness.1.) Are there any G.O.A.T arguments that you find yourself passionate about? 2.) What are some core tenants of greatness in an area of interest for you? Mark 9:33-34. As Jesus and the disciples were on their way to Capernaum, the disciples got into a heated conversation around this topic: "Who among them was the true G.O.A.T?". Upon entering the house, Jesus asks the disciples this question, “What were you discussing on the way?” (vs. 33) The disciples' response? “But they kept silent…” (vs. 34). They didn’t say any words, but their silence still spoke. At the hearing of Jesus’ question, the disciples were embarrassed and afraid. They were embarrassed by their actions and they were afraid of being exposed. In our humanity, fear and embarrassment are barriers to honesty. Combined, fear and embarrassment produce shame. Yet, here's the gospel truth: We have nothing to hide because the cross of Jesus has already exposed us.1.) What embarrassments of your life are hindering your honesty with God and with others?2.) What spaces and rhythms of vulnerability do you have in your life? Mark 9:35. The world measures greatness by who's in first and who's in charge. Yet, as Jesus defines greatness, He flips greatness on its head. He even says this in Matthew 18:4 “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Humility admits that "I need Jesus and I need others" as we acknowledge and accept our own limitations. In our humility, we see the relational dynamic we are to share with those around us. This relational dynamic shows us that humility is a give and receive relationship between us and others. By walking in humility and service towards others and allowing ourselves to receive the humility and service of others, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus (Philippians 2:4-8)1.) Is it difficult for you to accept the help of others? Why or why not? 2.) How has Jesus' upside down definition of greatness affected or challenged your work? Relationships? Mark 9:36-37. Hospitality was a normal part of Jewish culture. In fact, it was expected. At the same time, another cultural norm was that children were extreme blessings. While children were, and still are, a tremendous blessing, they are still helpless, dependent, and small. In relation to social status, children did not rank very high. Yet, in Jesus' real life example of greatness, He uses a child to show what true greatness is. In an argument where the disciples were debating who’s the biggest, Jesus says that greatness is seen in who welcomes the smallest. In other words, to be great is to show hospitality to those who can do nothing for you.1.) Read this quote. "Our homes, imperfect as they are, must be a haven from the chaos outside. They should be a reflection of our eternal home, where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion, and wounded spirits find compassion.” In what ways does this quote challenge/encourage you?2.) As you think

Mark 9:13-2914 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” ESV LESSON NOTESRaphael's sixteenth-century oil painting brilliantly merges two contrasting biblical scenes into one canvas: the radiant Transfiguration at the top and a dark, chaotic struggle at the bottom. This artistic choice reflects our daily reality, where the "good" and the "hard" are often crammed into the very same portrait of life.Faith requires recognizing that Jesus is both willing and able. While the leper in Mark 1 questioned Jesus's willingness ("if you are willing"), the father in Mark 9 questioned His ability ("if you can"). True reliance trusts both His infinite compassion to care and His absolute power to act.Every single person at the base of the mountain—the disciples, the crowd, and the teachers of the law—was struggling with faith. The father of the boy was simply the only one honest enough to admit his unbelief out loud, showing that bringing our questions to God is a healthy, biblical practice.Prayer and fasting are not transactional tools used to gain leverage or build personal holiness. Rather, they are relational practices designed to make us intentionally helpless, shifting our reliance away from our own understanding and entirely onto God."Helplessness, not holiness, is the way to access the presence of God." Timothy Keller DISCUSSION QUESTIONSIcebreaker: Have you ever had a "mountaintop moment"—a time when God felt especially close or life felt especially meaningful—followed immediately by a difficult challenge or disappointment? What was that experience like?1. The father cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" Why do you think this prayer has resonated with Christians for centuries? What makes it so relatable?2. Do you more often question God's willingness to help or His ability to help? Why do you think that is?3. Prayer and fasting are relational rather than transactional. What is the difference between using spiritual disciplines to get something from God and using them to grow closer to God?4. If faith is fundamentally reliance on Jesus, what is one practical area of your life this week where you need to rely less on yourself and