CONVERSATION STARTERS

1. Read Mark 9:14-29.

2. Dependence on God – The disciples couldn’t drive out the demon, not because they lacked authority, but because they lacked dependence on God through prayer (Mark 9:28–29). When have you tried to handle something on your own, only to realize you needed God’s help? How does prayer cultivate true humility in your life?

3. Faith & Surrender – The boy’s father cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). How does this tension between belief and doubt resonate with your own faith journey? What practices help you surrender your uncertainties to God?

4. True Greatness – The disciples were fixated on status rather than service (Mark 9:34–35). Jesus radically redefines greatness as humility and servanthood. In what areas of life do you struggle with pride or comparison? How can you intentionally adopt a posture of humility toward others?

5. Serving the Last & Least – Jesus calls his followers to receive and serve the “least” (Mark 9:37). Who in your community might be overlooked or undervalued? How can humility move you toward caring for those who might otherwise be ignored?

Title: Jesus Humbles
Reference: Mark 9:14-29
Speaker: Paul Brandes, PaulB@cckc.church

– The ones who need.

– The ones who think they need nothing.

How do we move from proud self-sufficiency to a lifelong posture of humble dependence?

– Stop pretending you have it all together.

– See your need as a gift of grace.

Who is this God, looming over me? Majesty? I see no majesty. Grace? Can this be grace? I see nothing at all; dark clouds hide the face of God. Slowly the clouds lift. What I saw then was tears, a weeping God, suffering over my suffering. I had not realized that if God loves this world, God suffers. I had thoughtlessly supposed that God loved without suffering. I knew that divine love was key. But I had not realized that love that is the key is suffering love. ~ Nicholas Wolterstorff, Hearing the Call]

– Give your need to Jesus in humble prayer.