Mark 7:1–23 – Beneath the Surface

Session 1 – Keeping Up Appearances

Read Together:

Mark 7:1–8

Initial Question:

What is one thing that you found surprising, or something you learned from this part of the passage?

Read More from Scripture (and Discuss):

1 Samuel 16:7 – What does God look at in a person?

John 4:19–24 – According to Jesus, what kind of worshipers does the Father seek?

Romans 12:1 – What does Paul say is our “spiritual worship”?

Hebrews 13:15–16 – What kinds of sacrifices please God?

Questions for Reflection:

- What are some ways people today are tempted to put up a spiritual façade or fake picture of their

spirituality?

- Where have I personally been a hypocrite in following Jesus, not doing it wholeheartedly?

Session 2 – Tradition Without Obedience

Read Together:

Mark 7:9–23

Initial Question:

What is one thing that you found surprising, or something you learned from this part of the passage?

Read More from Scripture (and Discuss):

Micah 6:6–8 – What does the Lord require of His people instead of empty ritual?

Colossians 2:20–23 – What can man-made rules never accomplish?

James 1:22–25 – What happens when we hear God’s Word but do not do it?

Questions for Reflection:

- Why is it tempting sometimes to choose traditions over actually obeying God’s Word?

- What are some religious motions or traditions that I am tempted to prioritize over obeying the

instructions of Jesus?

Application for the Week

Worship is wholeheartedly giving God the recognition and honor He is due from our lives. What is one

specific way I can worship God this week, not just with a song, but with my life?