Discussion Guide Week One: We Need To Spend Time With Jesus

**Bible Reading:**

1. Mark 6:31 (ESV)
"And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat."

2. Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)
"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"

3. John 2:7-9 (ESV)
"Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.' So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom."

4. John 15:5 (ESV)
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

**Observation Questions:**

1. In Mark 6:31, what reasons did Jesus give for inviting the disciples to come away and rest?
2. Reflecting on Luke 10:41-42, what was the "good portion" that Mary chose, and why was it considered necessary?
3. Considering the miracle in John 2:7-9, what does the transformation of water into wine suggest about Jesus' power over the ordinary?
4. From John 15:5, what is the relationship between the vine and the branches, and what is the result of this connection?

**Interpretation Questions:**

1. How does Jesus' invitation to rest in Mark 6:31 challenge our understanding of rest in today's busy culture?
2. What does the interaction between Jesus, Mary, and Martha in Luke 10:41-42 teach us about the priorities we should have in our spiritual lives?
3. In what ways does the sign of turning water into wine in John 2:7-9 represent the transformative power of Jesus in our lives?
4. Based on John 15:5, what are the implications of abiding in Jesus for our personal growth and productivity?

**Application Questions:**

1. Identify a time this week when you can "come away" to a quiet place to rest and be with Jesus. What will you do during this time?
2. Reflect on your daily tasks and responsibilities. Which of these might be distracting you from choosing the "good portion" like Mary did? How can you adjust your priorities?
3. Think about an area of your life that feels ordinary or stagnant. How can you invite Jesus' transformative power into this area this week?
4. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this week. What specific action will you take to cultivate it in your daily life?
5. What is one specific distraction in your life preventing you from focusing on Jesus, and how can you minimize it this week?