Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Start With Context:

Jesus and His disciples are leaving the temple, and the disciples comment on its grandness. Jesus, however, shifts their focus to a sobering reality: the temple will be destroyed. This moment leads to a discourse about future trials, persecution, and the call for endurance in faith. Mark 13 is often referred to as the "Olivet Discourse," where Jesus discusses events that will unfold before the end times. In this passage, Jesus prepares His followers for the challenges they will face, encouraging them to stand firm and be "all in" despite the uncertainties and opposition they will encounter. 

Icebreaker:

As you think about the world today, the wars that rage, the ups and downs of the stock market, and everything else that may cause concern – what worries you most? What aspect of faith helps to put your anxiety in check?

After the icebreaker, read Mark 13:1-13 aloud.

When you think about Jesus predicting the temple's destruction, how might that have impacted the disciples, who saw the temple as a symbol of God's presence? How do you react when things you believe to be permanent or sacred are threatened or fall apart?

In Mark 13:5, Jesus warns His disciples, "See that no one leads you astray." What are some ways people can be led astray in their faith today? What practices or habits help us stay grounded in the truth of Christ?

Jesus warns of false prophets, wars, and natural disasters. How can you stay grounded in your faith and Scripture when your world seems chaotic?

Mark 13 13 says, "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." What does endurance look like in your faith journey right now? Share an example where you had to endure a difficult time and how your faith played a role in it.

End the meeting with a time of prayer. Pray for the strength to endure, trust in God's sovereignty, and for hearts that put their hope in Jesus, even when the road is hard.

Start with Context:

In this passage, Jesus is teaching in the temple, warning against the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and highlighting the sacrificial giving of a poor widow. He contrasts the pride and pretense of the scribes, who enjoy public recognition and material wealth, with the humble and sincere devotion of a widow who gives all she has. The widow's offering, though small in monetary value, is presented by Jesus as far greater in significance because of the heart and sacrifice behind it.

Icebreaker:

Can you share about a time when you received a big or small gift that meant a lot to you? Why was it so significant?

After the icebreaker question, read Mark 12:38-44 aloud.

Jesus critiques the scribes for seeking honor and exploiting others. Where do we see this today? When have you fallen into the trap of wanting recognition for your good deeds?

The widow gave two small coins, everything she had to live on. What do you think motivated the widow to give all she had? Jesus says she gave “more than all” the others. How is this possible from a financial perspective? What is Jesus teaching us about generosity and sacrifice?

Have you ever had an experience where you gave something significant to you, whether time, money, or resources, in such a way that it cost you something? What motivated you? Where do you struggle to trust God in providing for you if you give to others?

How does this passage challenge your view of giving and generosity? How can we encourage a culture of humble and sacrificial giving in our church community?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for showing us what true generosity looks like through the example of the widow. Help us to give with hearts full of love, trusting in Your provision. May our actions reflect Your grace and humility in the world. Guide us as we seek to be generous in all areas of our lives, and may our giving glorify You. Amen

Start with Context:

Mark 12:28-37 takes place during the final week of Jesus’ life, shortly after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The religious leaders—scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees— have been questioning Jesus, trying to trap Him in theological debates. A scribe, impressed by Jesus' wisdom, asks Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” This question was commonly debated in Jewish circles since the Law contained 613 commandments. Jesus responds by quoting the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, emphasizing love for God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then adds a second commandment from Leviticus 19:18: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These two commandments summarize the whole Law, prioritizing love over legalism. After the icebreaker, read Mark 12:28–37 aloud.

Icebreaker: What is one way someone has shown love to you recently that made an impact?

In Jesus' day, they were considered authorities on religious matters and often served as teachers, lawyers, and advisers on legal and theological issues. They were trained scholars who specialized in copying, interpreting, and teaching the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). What prompted this subject matter expert to ask Jesus which commandment was the greatest? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by rules or expectations (whether religious or otherwise)? How does Jesus' answer simplify the focus of our faith?

Jesus names loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength as the most important commandment. What does it mean to love God with your “whole” self? What does that look like in everyday life—at work, at home, or with friends?

Why do you think Jesus pairs loving God with loving others? How are the two connected? Time to get vulnerable: where have you struggled to love others? How do you overcome that?

Close with prayer, asking God to empower all Christians to love Him fully and to love others in practical, meaningful ways.