Sermon Discussion Questions: The Rejected Cornerstone
Mark 11:27–12:12
The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon from January 5, 2020; “The Rejected Cornerstone.” These questions can be used for discussion in small groups, family devotions, or for personal reflection. (PDF Link)
Main Idea: Spiritual leadership is reserved for those who recognize and embrace God’s authority, not those who wish to establish their own.
Discussion Questions:
1. How is the leader’s question of authority an cleverly designed trap for Jesus.
2. How does Jesus’ counter question rightly direct these leaders to the true source of his authority?
3. What does the conversation in 11:31–33 expose about these leaders?
4. What does this parable tell us about the leaders’ (tenants) view of themselves and God (the owner)? How does this parable answer the leader’s question about authority?
5. How does Jesus’ use of Psalm 118 in Mark 12:10–11 reveal God’s purpose in Jesus’ earthly ministry?
Application Questions: (Read the Parable of the Tenants in Mark 12:1–12 and then read 2 Peter 3:3–10.)
6. How does 2 Peter balance God’s uncompromising justice and his patience?
7. How does God want us to live in light of his patience and his coming justice (cf. 2 Peter 3:11–13)?
8. Can you share about a time in your life where you were more like the tenants in the parable but now that you look back you are able to see God’s patience?
9. How can God’s patience and promise of future justice give believers hope in the midst of injustice, oppression, and persecution?
10. How can the Parable of the Tenants reorient our ideas about spiritual leadership?
11. What do you think that God is calling you to do as a result of this message?