Aligned, Week One

1. Read Mark 2:1-3:6. Which of the five stories resonated with you most? Why do you think Mark grouped these stories together?
2. In these stories, we see Jesus welcoming both the “broken” (the paralytic) and the “breakers” of society (the tax collectors & sinners). How does this challenge the way we view people inside and outside the church?
3. Read Ephesians 2:11-22. Some boundaries are good and necessary (such as cases of abuse, when I'm enabling sin, or when I need to prioritize time with God and family). But Jesus also came to break down barriers, like the dividing wall of hostility in Ephesians 2:14 or when he invited in the "broken" and the "breakers." How should we evaluate our own boundaries in light of Jesus' teaching? Think of some boundaries you've set in your life. Of the ones that come to mind immediately, do they help you love others better or are they simply making your life more comfortable and less messy?
4. Who in your life are you actively carrying to Jesus, like the friends of the paralytic? What would it look like to have the faith to bring them to Jesus?
5. What does it mean that we as Christians are often educated beyond our level of obedience? What are some areas where that might be true for you?
6. What is one specific area of your life where Jesus is asking you to align more fully under His authority? What step will you take this week to submit to Him?

**Prayer + Practice: **

Submitting a Piece of Your Life to Jesus’ Authority

1) Identify an Area of Resistance

Take a few minutes to reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to fully submit to Jesus’ authority. This could be a habit, a relationship, a fear, or a mindset (e.g., control, comfort, approval of others). Write it down in a journal or on your phone.

2) Find a Scripture Anchor

Look up a Bible verse that speaks to surrendering to Jesus (e.g., Matthew 6:33, Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:1-2). Write this verse alongside your area of resistance as a reminder of what Jesus is calling you to.

3) Take a Small Step of Obedience

Choose one small, tangible action you can take this week to submit that area to Jesus. If it’s control, practice praying and releasing a specific worry to God each morning. If it’s comfort, say “yes” to something uncomfortable for the sake of obedience. If it’s approval, share your faith with someone even if it feels risky.

4) Accountability

Pair up in your Life Group and share with a partner what you wrote down. Pray for each other to have the courage to take action. If not in a group, tell a trusted friend or mentor and ask them to check in with you this week.