Finding Our Place in God's Redemptive Story

Summary

Today’s passage draws us into the heart of the Gospel of Mark, where the narrative slows to focus on the final days of Jesus’ life. The story is not just about the events leading to the cross, but about the deeper theological reality that God is revealing through these moments. The Bible is not simply a book of answers to our questions; it is the revelation of who God is and what He is doing in the world. When we study scripture in its context, we see the grand story of God’s kingdom unfolding, and we are invited to find our meaning within His story, not just fit Him into ours.

As Jesus and His disciples leave the upper room after the Last Supper, He tells them that they will all fall away. This is not a message of condemnation, but a prophetic word rooted in Zechariah 13: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” Jesus is not surprised by what is about to happen; He is the willing Shepherd, fully God and fully man, who will be struck for the sins of the people. The scattering of the disciples is not a failure of God’s plan, but a fulfillment of it. Even in their weakness and denial, Jesus promises hope: “After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” He assures them that their failure is not the end, and that He will gather them again.

This passage challenges us to see the crucifixion not as a cosmic accident, but as the centerpiece of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient; our salvation rests not on our performance, but on His finished work. The expansion of God’s people is no longer limited by ethnicity, but by faith—those who call on the Lord become His people. Our failures, like Peter’s, do not disqualify us from God’s grace. Instead, they remind us of our continual need for His mercy.

We are called to examine our own pride and self-reliance, to recognize the warning signs in our lives, and to allow God to use trials to strip away false ideas about Him. True purpose and meaning are found not in our achievements or status, but in being part of God’s kingdom—living lives transformed by His grace, investing in others, and building our lives on what He is doing in the world.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Story Is the True Backdrop of Our Lives
Rather than seeking to fit God into our personal narratives, we are invited to find our place in His unfolding story. The Bible reveals not just answers, but the reality of God’s character and His kingdom. When we approach scripture this way, we gain a holistic view of God and are shaped by His purposes, not just our own needs. [23:39]

- Jesus’ Sacrifice Was Willing and Central to God’s Plan
The striking of the Shepherd was not an accident or a tragedy outside of God’s control. Jesus, fully God and fully man, knowingly and willingly bore the punishment for our sin. This act is the heart of redemption, demonstrating both the gravity of our sin and the depth of God’s love. [43:33]

- Our Failures Do Not Disqualify Us from God’s Grace
Peter’s denial and the disciples’ scattering were foreseen by Jesus, yet He responded with compassion and restoration. Our own failures, even those that come after we know better, are not the end of our story. God’s grace is sufficient, and our salvation rests on Christ’s finished work, not our ability to perform. [53:10]

- Trials Are Opportunities for God to Refine Our Faith
Difficult seasons often strip away our misconceptions about God and ourselves. Through adversity, God deepens our faith, revealing the insufficiency of self-reliance and the necessity of His grace. These moments, though painful, are invitations to trust Him more fully and to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. [56:10]

- True Purpose and Meaning Are Found in God’s Kingdom
Our culture tempts us to seek meaning in career, family, or personal success, but lasting significance is found only in God’s kingdom. We are called to build our lives on what God is doing, to invest in others, and to allow our resources and time to serve His purposes. Only then do we discover the joy and fulfillment for which we were created. [59:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Youth Band Leads Worship
[04:30] - Mother’s Day Bake Sale & Retreat Update
[07:00] - Returning to the Gospel of Mark
[10:30] - Why Study Scripture in Context
[23:39] - God’s Story vs. Our Story
[24:46] - The Gospel of Mark as Oral Story
[26:34] - Understanding Narrative and Theological Backdrop
[32:53] - Jesus Predicts the Disciples’ Scattering
[33:47] - Zechariah’s Prophecy Explained
[36:40] - Theological Significance of Striking the Shepherd
[43:33] - Jesus’ Willing Sacrifice and the Expansion of God’s People
[45:28] - Peter’s Denial and the Disciples’ Failure
[48:29] - Hope After Failure: Jesus’ Promise to Gather
[50:37] - God’s Kingdom and Our Response
[53:10] - Grace for Our Failures
[56:10] - Trials and the Refining of Faith
[59:33] - Finding Purpose in God’s Kingdom
[01:03:20] - Closing Prayer
[01:11:46] - Graduate Recognition and Blessing
[01:17:14] - Final Blessing for Graduates
[01:19:36] - Announcements: Baptism, Safe Parking, and More
[01:22:51] - Connection Cards and Final Song

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Finding Our Place in God’s Story (Mark 14:26-31, Zechariah 13:7-9)

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### Bible Reading

- Mark 14:26-31
After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

- Zechariah 13:7-9
“Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the Lord Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones. In the whole land,” declares the Lord, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”

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### Observation Questions

1. What prophecy does Jesus quote to His disciples after the Last Supper, and what does He say will happen to them? ([32:53])
2. How does Peter respond to Jesus’ prediction about the disciples falling away? What do the other disciples say? ([35:34])
3. According to Zechariah 13, who is the “shepherd” and what is the result of the shepherd being struck? ([37:53])
4. What promise does Jesus give to His disciples after telling them they will scatter? ([48:29])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus tell the disciples they will all fall away? What does this reveal about His understanding of God’s plan and their weaknesses? ([32:53])
2. How does the prophecy from Zechariah help us understand the events of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion? Why is it important that Jesus is a “willing” shepherd? ([43:33])
3. What does Jesus’ promise to meet the disciples in Galilee after His resurrection say about His response to their failure? ([48:29])
4. The sermon says our failures do not disqualify us from God’s grace. How does Peter’s story illustrate this truth? ([53:10])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said we often try to fit God into our story, instead of finding our place in His. In what ways do you tend to make God a part of your plans, rather than seeking His bigger story for your life? ([23:39])
2. Jesus knew the disciples would fail, but He still promised to restore them. Is there a failure or regret in your life that makes you feel disqualified from God’s grace? How does Jesus’ response to Peter encourage you? ([53:10])
3. The disciples’ pride and self-confidence set them up for failure. Are there warning signs in your life—areas of pride or self-reliance—that you might be ignoring? What would it look like to address them honestly? ([55:15])
4. The sermon talked about trials as opportunities for God to refine our faith. Can you think of a difficult season where God used hardship to change your understanding of Him or yourself? What did you learn? ([56:10])
5. Our culture tells us to find meaning in career, family, or success. What are you tempted to build your life on besides God’s kingdom? How can you take a step this week to invest more in what God is doing? ([59:33])
6. Jesus’ sacrifice means our salvation rests on His finished work, not our performance. How does this truth challenge the way you view your relationship with God, especially after you mess up? ([53:10])
7. The sermon encouraged us to invest in others and let our resources serve God’s purposes. Is there a specific way you can use your time, money, or abilities to build up God’s kingdom this month? ([01:02:47])

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Close in prayer, asking God to help you find your true purpose and meaning in His story, to trust His grace in your failures, and to invest your life in His kingdom.

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, the Struck Shepherd, Fulfills God’s Plan
Jesus’ journey to the cross was not a tragic accident, but the fulfillment of God’s sovereign plan foretold centuries before. In quoting Zechariah, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered,” Jesus reveals that his suffering and death were part of God’s redemptive purpose, not a moment of defeat. He willingly took on the role of the shepherd who would be struck for the sins of the people, demonstrating both his divinity and his deep love for us. Even when it seems like chaos reigns, God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating salvation and hope for all who trust in Him. [40:10]

Zechariah 13:7 (ESV)
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the Lord of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when things seem out of control or painful?


Day 2: God’s Grace Covers Our Failures
God knows us completely—our past, our present, and our future—and He loves us still. Like Peter and the disciples, we all have moments of failure, times when we fall short or even deny Christ by our actions or words. Yet Jesus does not condemn us or cast us aside; instead, He offers grace that is greater than our worst mistakes. Our salvation is not dependent on our ability to be good enough, but on Christ’s sacrifice, which is more than sufficient. When we are most aware of our need for grace, we are most in touch with the reality of God’s love and forgiveness. [53:58]

Romans 8:1 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Is there a failure or regret you are carrying that you need to bring to Jesus today, trusting that His grace is enough for you?


Day 3: Pride and Arrogance Set Us Up for Failure
Peter’s confident declaration that he would never deny Jesus, followed by his actual denial, is a sobering reminder of how pride can blind us to our own weaknesses. Often, we ignore the warning signs in our lives, thinking we are above certain temptations or failures. But unchecked pride and self-reliance can lead us down a path of compromise and regret. God calls us to humility, to recognize our dependence on Him, and to heed His warnings so that we might walk in wisdom and avoid unnecessary heartache. [55:15]

Proverbs 16:18 (ESV)
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Reflection: Where do you see warning signs of pride or self-reliance in your life, and how can you invite God to help you walk in humility today?


Day 4: God Deepens Our Faith Through Trials
Trials and hardships are not signs of God’s absence, but often the very means by which He refines our faith and strips away false ideas about Him. The disciples’ experience of loss, confusion, and fear during Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion became the crucible in which their faith was purified and deepened. In the same way, God uses our pain and challenges to draw us closer to Him, to reveal His true character, and to teach us what it means to follow Him faithfully—even when life doesn’t go as we expect. [57:41]

James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Reflection: Think of a recent or current trial—how might God be using it to deepen your faith or correct a misunderstanding you have about Him?


Day 5: Our Purpose and Meaning Are Found in God’s Kingdom
True purpose and meaning in life are not found in career, success, or even religious activity, but in being part of God’s kingdom and aligning our lives with what He is doing in the world. Jesus’ sacrifice opens the way for us to become part of God’s people, to be transformed into His likeness, and to invest in others as we follow Him together. God invites us to build our lives on Him, to find our identity and mission in His kingdom, and to participate in His ongoing work of love, transformation, and redemption. [01:00:49]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can invest in God’s kingdom this week—through serving, mentoring, generosity, or sharing your faith?

Quotes

Although the Bible does give us answers, you need to understand the Bible is not written so you could have answers. The Bible reveals the reality of God. It tells us who God is and what He is doing. And for this reason, when we preach and teach the Bible, when we study the Bible in its context, it gives us the most holistic view of God. [00:23:26] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

He reinterprets Passover. He makes himself the Passover lamb and says now instead of commemorating or constantly sacrificing the lamb, I want you to eat my body broken for you and drink my blood shed for you. [00:31:34] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

Jesus is a willing, knowing participant. Much like a soldier volunteers to go to the front lines, knowing that he may give his life in the battle, but because of the issue or the importance of what is at stake, he volunteers to be a soldier, knowing full well that he may die. In the same way, Jesus, part of the Godhead, knowing full well what it would take to redeem his creation, because he loved us, he comes and allows himself to be struck down and to carry our sin on his shoulders. [00:43:07] (00:00:45 seconds) Edit Clip

The people of God, who does God say are my people in this passage? It is the ones who say that the Lord is our God. So God has expanded the people of God, no longer bound by ethnicity, but now bound by a covenant of the heart, those who profess their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Messiah. [00:44:27] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

Jesus is telling the disciples, I’m the shepherd. He’s saying, I’m not surprised. I know exactly what’s going to happen. You might be surprised at what’s going to happen, but I know what’s coming. I am going to carry the sin of the world. I am going to be struck by God for the sins of the people, and I’m doing it willingly because of the bigger picture. [00:45:46] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

I want you to take away from this story that God knows you. When Jesus is walking to the garden and he says, you’re all going to leave me. He doesn’t criticize. He doesn’t attack. He doesn’t say, you bunch of idiots, what’s wrong with you guys? I can’t believe after all these years you still don’t get it. And you’re going to give up your faith and bail as soon as, you know, tough time comes. He just tells them, hey, I’m going to prepare you. [00:51:05] (00:00:37 seconds) Edit Clip

You are most living in reality when you are most aware that you need God’s grace at every moment of your life. If you’re here and you’re carrying a load, you feel like, oh, but you don’t know, Pastor, these things here. I could never do this. I’m carrying this failure, this past issue. I’m embarrassed if people knew. I want you to leave comforted and encouraged that God knows you. He knows your past and He knows your future. Your salvation is not dependent on you. It is dependent on Christ’s sacrifice for you. [00:52:58] (00:00:43 seconds) Edit Clip

The good news of the gospel is that you are a worse sinner than you know. But you are more loved than you know. God knows you and He loves you. He died for you. That’s the message of the gospel. The gospel is not, here’s enough grace so now you can clean yourself up. The good news of the gospel is that God’s grace is enough, period. [00:53:58] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

You have never come to a place of real purpose and joy in your life until you have begun to replicate your faith in the life of other people, where you have begun to invest in them. You’ve invited them to follow Jesus as you follow Jesus. It’s a part of this kind of idea of church, that we are following Jesus together. [01:02:26] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip